Do You Hear What You Want to Hear?
Do You Hear What You Want to Hear?
A friend shared a story about her mother's recent doctor visit: While reviewing her blood work, it was clear her blood sugar control needed improvement (indicated by her hemoglobin A1C levels). She assured the doctor she would improve, and he agreed to let her try lifestyle changes without medication. His instructions were clear: no desserts except for birthdays. She agreed, thinking, "No problem, just birthdays."
What the doctor didn't know was that she had six children, all married, 17 grandchildren, many of whom are also married, and 23 great-grandchildren! With such a large family, birthdays occurred almost every week, sometimes more. She also celebrated her friends' birthdays and joked that she could stand outside Wal-Mart and celebrate with strangers she met. "This is for Tracy's birthday, the woman I met at Wal-Mart," she could say while enjoying her daily dessert, not technically going against her doctor's wishes.
When my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer at 79, she asked her oncologist if she needed to quit smoking while discussing treatment options. He replied, “I’d like you to.” Stunned by the question, he didn't say a definitive “yes.” My grandmother interpreted this as a non-requirement and continued smoking until she was in the ICU, where smoking was prohibited.
The Communication Gap: Practitioners and Patients
This highlights a critical issue for both healthcare practitioners and patients/clients:
For Practitioners:
Be Literal and Specific: Clear, precise language is essential. Vague instructions can lead to misinterpretations. For example, telling a patient they can have a hamburger "once in a while" could mean once a month to you, but once every 48 hours to them.
Avoid Jargon: Medical jargon can confuse patients. Ensure they understand by asking them to repeat the instructions in their own words.
Clarify Assumptions: Don’t assume that patients know what you mean. They might interpret advice based on their understanding or convenience.
For Patients/Clients:
Ask for Clarification: If you don’t understand your healthcare provider’s instructions, ask for clarity. For instance, if you think having a hamburger every other day is acceptable, confirm this with your practitioner.
Be Honest: Be transparent about your habits and lifestyle. Saying you exercise regularly when you mean you were active years ago or that you watch your kids play sports isn't helpful. Honest communication is crucial for effective healthcare.
Bridging the Gap: Better Communication
Both sides need to improve communication. Here are some practical steps:
For Practitioners:
Use Plain Language: Break down complex medical terms into simple, everyday language.
Provide Examples: Give concrete examples to illustrate points, making it easier for patients to understand.
Follow-Up: Schedule follow-ups or check-ins to ensure patients understand and follow instructions.
For Patients/Clients:
Note-Taking: Write down the advice given during appointments. This helps in remembering and following through accurately.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification on any point, no matter how small it seems.
Reflect and Confirm: After receiving instructions, summarize what you understood and confirm with your practitioner.
Effective communication between healthcare practitioners and patients is vital for successful health outcomes. Practitioners must use clear, precise language, avoiding jargon and assumptions. Patients must seek clarification when needed and be honest about their habits and lifestyle. By improving communication, both parties can work together more effectively to achieve better health outcomes.
Real World Nutrition Refreshed: I am revitalizing and updating my archive of blogs and re-publishing them. Stay tuned as I review, update, refresh, and re-share these posts to provide you with even more valuable information on nutrition, health, and overall wellness—and keep things timely. A portion of this blog was originally posted Feb 19, 2021 and is updated here.
