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Communication Strategies in Healthcare for Patients, Families & Professionals

By: Shelley Frost • Edited by: Ani Lahiri • Subject Matter Expert Reviewed by: Brindusa Vanta, MD • 2 cited sources • Updated Oct 14, 2024

Effective communication strategies in any kind of healthcare situation ensure the patient receives the treatment they need while honoring their preferences, something that is particularly important with end-of-life care. All parties involved play an integral role in communicating clearly and compassionately. Learn how to enhance communication in healthcare to provide compassionate and effective support.

Key Takeaways

• Open, honest, and effective communication improves end-of-life care and helps patients feel comfortable.
• Family members serve as advocates, providing emotional support, clarifying medical information, and pushing for what the patient wants.
• Collaborating and using clear language helps healthcare professionals communicate effectively with patients and families.

Why Is Communication Important in End-of-Life Care?

Effective communication strategies in healthcare build trust between medical professionals, family members, and patients. That trust improves the quality of care and offers comfort to patients and families. Many end-of-life conversations are uncomfortable—few people want to discuss death, often due to fear, beliefs, or societal taboos^[1]. However, discussing end of life can ease fears and support the grieving process.

Effective communication helps medical professionals provide the support patients need. Health conditions often change quickly, so knowing how to communicate those changes allows caregivers to adjust comfort measures. Communication also helps family members understand the condition and what to expect. 

Effective Communication Strategies for Patients

Patients and families coping with end-of-life care need to communicate their needs and desires to optimize the support they receive. The following patient communication strategies help the patient plan and convey information to healthcare organizations and providers.

Prepare for Upcoming Medical Appointments

Track upcoming medical appointments so you can prepare for them. Keeping a notepad nearby allows you to log symptoms and concerns between appointments. Bring the lists to appointments so you cover everything.

When possible, have a loved one or friend accompany you to appointments. Ask them to take notes as well so you can recall key information. That person might also think of additional questions to ask your doctor and can advocate for you to get the best possible care. 

Ask Questions and Confirm Your Understanding of Next Steps

Doctors’ visits often entail discussions of treatments and potential side effects. You might receive new diagnoses as well. If you don’t understand what your doctor tells you, ask them to explain it differently. Also, ask specific questions as they’re sharing information with you.

Another effective strategy is repeating the information back to your healthcare provider. Your doctor can correct you if your interpretation isn’t accurate to ensure you fully understand the situation. Try not to leave without a firm grasp of the proposed course of action, as well as the notes to remind you. 

Be Open and Honest With Your Doctor

Discussing your health may be uncomfortable sometimes. You might be tempted to hide symptoms, especially if they’re embarrassing. However, transparency in how you feel and the symptoms you have allows your care provider to adjust treatment and comfort measures. If a care procedure doesn’t ease symptoms or meet your preferences, discuss new options. 

Effective communication between patients, families, and healthcare providers is essential in patient-centered care, a model of care many hospitals use. It emphasizes respect for patients’ values and needs, provides education and access to care, offers emotional support, involves family, maintains continuity, prioritizes physical comfort, and coordinates care.

Brindusa Vanta, MD

Family Communication Strategies on Behalf of a Patient or Loved One

Effective, thorough communication clears the way for proper care that follows your loved one’s wishes. 

Understanding the Role of Family Members

During end-of-life care, your loved one might struggle to communicate their needs and understand complex medical information. By being with them through medical appointments, you can clarify confusing details. Because you’re familiar with their wishes and progression, you can provide details to the care team to help them make decisions.

Family members also provide emotional support and improve the patient’s quality of life^[2]. Hearing scary news during medical appointments isn’t easy. You can comfort your loved one based on what you know about them. Perhaps they feel better holding your hand or with your arm around them. 

If your loved one is diagnosed with a serious disease, it’s normal to research online. It is a great idea to learn more about the condition. However, avoid ‘Dr. Google’ and use reputable sources, like medical centers or articles written or reviewed by healthcare professionals, to ensure accurate and high-quality information.

Brindusa Vanta, MD

Ask Questions and Take Detailed Notes at Appointments

As your loved one’s condition changes, they might struggle with focus and comprehension. Putting their thoughts and feelings into words might also become challenging. As their advocate, you help interpret medical information and convey their feelings and needs. 

During medical appointments, bring a notebook to take notes or ask the doctor for permission to record the appointment. This serves as a reference if you forget details later. You can also use these notes to track the progress of your loved one’s condition.

Provide Emotional Support to Your Loved One

Watching a loved one at the end of their life affects you emotionally. While it’s important to address your feelings, your primary role is to comfort them. Respecting their wishes, even if you disagree, provides them with the emotional support they need during this challenging time. 

Healthcare Team Communication Strategies to Provide the Best Care

As experts in end-of-life care and medical conditions, the healthcare team provides information that helps patients make decisions. The team uses clear language without medical jargon or complex concepts, making the information easily digestible. These additional tips also help.

Encourage Interdisciplinary Communication

Patients receiving end-of-life care often have multiple healthcare providers who manage specific aspects of treatment and care. Clear communication between specialists ensures proper care, and regular interdisciplinary meetings offer an easy way to communicate changes.

Keep Detailed Patient Documentation and Records

Thorough patient records allow for continuity of care between appointments and when new healthcare providers join the team. Include information on appointments, treatments, and patient interactions as a reference. This helps you track progress and continue treatment without rehashing all the details.

Implement Effective Strategies for Communication in Healthcare

Patients, family members, and medical professionals work together to implement effective communication strategies in healthcare settings. With strong communication, patients receive the experience they want with quality care to keep them comfortable at the end of their lives. 

Written by Shelley Frost

Shelley Frost holds a degree in education and has amassed a diverse writing portfolio primarily covering business, marketing, home improvement and senior living topics. Before moving to full-time freelancing, she worked in insurance, software testing and education, giving her a broad range of real-world skills to apply to her writing. She prides herself on her creativity and ability to capture the voice of each client. In her free time, Shelley enjoys decorating cakes, gardening, crafting, traveling and attending her kids' many school activities.

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Edited by Ani Lahiri

Anitra Lahiri earned her bachelor's degree in English from NYU and holds certifications in Yin Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Reiki I and II, Natural Health, and SMART Recovery Facilitator Training. She is also completing her 500-hour hatha yoga teacher training in December 2024. By leading addiction recovery meetings, teaching yoga, and writing about wellness, Anitra helps people all over the world bounce back from addiction, incarceration, or traumatic life events. Her passion is encouraging people to tap into their inner wisdom. https://anitralahiri.com/

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Subject Matter Expert Brindusa Vanta, MD

Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a healthcare professional, researcher, and medical subject matter expert . She earned her MD degree from "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine, Romania. She has a special interest in mental health and has collaborated with psychologists and other mental health practitioners on various research projects focused on therapies to manage depression, age-related cognitive decline, trauma and stressor- related conditions.