Communication Skills

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

First AND last name of patient verified, gave their name & title

Question 2

Reinforce positive health behavior

Answer 2

Might praise for coming in, for quitting smoking, diet improvement

Question 3

Validated emotions

Answer 3

Condolences for dad’s death

Question 4

Elicited patient perspective

Answer 4

Any major stressors? Have any ideas about what is causing it? What concerns you most about it? What expectations do you have? How has this been affecting daily life?

Question 5

Ask if questions

Answer 5

Do you have any?

Question 6

Provide agenda

Answer 6

Will be taking a history and doing a physical exam

Question 7

Involved patient in reason for visit

Answer 7

Tell me what brought you in
Or
I see you’re experiencing __, is that correct?
Must allow pt to confirm

Question 8

Non-verbal communication

Answer 8

Eye contact, body language

Question 9

Avoid interruptions

Answer 9

Doesn’t cut pt off

Question 10

Avoid leading questions

Answer 10

Not: “I’m assuming you don’t use drugs?” Or “you check your sugars regularly, right?”

Question 11

Avoid stacking questions

Answer 11

Not: “what makes it better, what makes it worse?” together
Can ask two only related symptoms

Question 12

Logical progression

Answer 12

Reasonable flow AND transition statements

Question 13

Patient participation encouraged

Answer 13

“We want to work with you..”
“Hopefully we can work together to figure this out”
“Ultimately you have the final say”
“I want to make sure what we discuss is in line with your goals and values”
Can double count for eliciting perspective: do you have any ideas?

Question 14

Avoid jargon

Answer 14

Simplifying medical terms & explain abbreviations
Can ask for clarification on two terms… “Not Done” for twice using jargon
List of jargon will be on site (PE can have jargon)

Question 15

Summarized interview

Answer 15

Pt is allowed to add or correct.

Question 16

Share initial impression linked to rationale

Answer 16

Because you have been experiencing ___ I think you might be experiencing ___

Question 17

Proposed next steps

Answer 17

What tests, what follow-up, will talk with attending physician?

Question 18

Verified pt willingness to compete

Answer 18

How does this plan sound? Do you have any barriers to getting these tests done? Must be at end of encounter not after setting agenda

Question 19

Used teach-back to gauge understanding

Answer 19

What is your understanding of next steps?
What is your understanding of the options?
Can you tell me your understanding of our discussion?
What would you tell your partner?

Question 20

Completed on time

Answer 20

Yes/No

Question 21

Professional without bias

Answer 21

Respect, compassion, integrity, responsiveness, sensitivity to culture, age, gender identity, sexual orientation; race; disabilities

Question 22

Would consider this student for my MD

Answer 22

Yes/No