Patients can't Understand Doctors Talk

most patients most of the time understand what the doctor wants them to do.However, they often don’t understand why.There is much for a patient to absorb during a visit. Not all of it is communicated appropriately, but on the other hand, not all of it is recalled by the patient when he goes to take his treatment.
That’s the issue explored by Dr. Pauline Chen in today’s Doctor and Patient column. She begins with the moving story of “Jack,” a former professional athlete with serious health problems:That’s the issue explored by Dr. Pauline Chen in today’s Doctor and Patient column. She begins with the moving story of “Jack,” a former professional athlete with serious health problems:
so,The best medical advice in the world won’t do patients much good if they can’t understand it.If unforseen problems arise from the treatment itself, CALL THE DOCTOR before you stop the treatment, unless the adverse effects are severe.
If you feel the treatment isn’t working, don’t stop it until you discuss it with your doctor.I think we’d get a lot further in our communications with patients if we as physicians asked, “Did I explain that clearly enough?” rather than “Do you understand?” The first leaves people feeling brave enough to ask more questions, as opposed to the second that implies that our patients are stupid if they answer anything but ‘yes.’