Table of Contents

1. Communication Is Critical.
The evidence for how communication skills can improve medical
outcome, patient satisfaction and reduce malpractice suits.


.


2.Getting Started.


Creating a good first impression: the basics on professional
appearance and behavior.


3. About Time.


How to most effectively use the first 2 minutes and manage time
during each interview.


4. Engage.


Joining with the patient and obtaining the "agenda".


5. Empathize.


Learning to understand and participate in the patient's
feelings.


6. Educate.


Identifying and anticipating patient's information needs.


7. Enlist.


Using collaborative techniques to improve adherence and
outcome.


.


8. Getting Feedback.


Using supervisors, colleagues, videotape, and patients to refine
communication skills.


9. Special Situations.


English as a second language.


Working with cultural differences.


Giving bad news.


The anxious, tearful or angry patient.


Managing psychiatric problems.


Difficult patient relationships.


Index.

About the Author

Melissa Piasecki is the author of Clinical Communication Handbook, published by Wiley.

Reviews

Early praise for Clinical Communication Handbook!
"Information from this book provides invaluable information for
any medical professional that communicates with patients. The
information can be used as a personal assessment tool or as a book
full of recommendations when dealing with patients." -Derek
Wayman, Third year medical student



"I think this book hits home many points on presentation, subtle
body language and communication with patients.I have heard
scattered points and advice from different physicians, but nothing
on a scale like this, which starts from A and goes to Z."- Keith
Chan, Third year medical student



"This book is probably one of the more useful things I've read in
the past few months, medical journals included! We spend at least 7
years learning how to be a doctor, but precious few minutes
learning how to communicate effectively as a doctor. These
principles can streamline your practice, make your days easier (and
shorter), decrease your chances of ending up in court, and above
all, help your patient to feel more comfortable."- Brandon
Johnson, MD, Internal Medicine resident