Communication Skills

Question 1

How would you structure an explanation of a disease process to a patient?

Answer 1

1. Normal anatomy and physiology
2. What the disease is
3. Cause
4. Problems and complications
5. Management

Question 2

How would you structure an explanation of a procedure to a patient?

Answer 2

1. Explain what the procedure is
2. Reason for the procedure
3. Details of the procedure (before, during and after)
4. Risks and benefits

Question 3

How would you structure the explanation of a treatment to a patient?

Answer 3

1. Briefly check for contra-indications to the treatment
2. Check patient understanding of condition
3. How treatment works
4. Treatment course and how it is taken
5. Monitoring required
6. Side effects