Good medical communication saves time, reduces mistakes, and helps people follow care plans. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or a patient trying to explain symptoms, these tips are practical and easy to use right away.
Start with plain language. Use short sentences and everyday words. Swap medical jargon for simple phrases: say “high blood sugar” instead of “hyperglycemia,” or “heart attack” instead of “myocardial infarction” when talking with patients. If a technical term is necessary, define it briefly and check understanding.
Use the teach-back method. After explaining a diagnosis or plan, ask the person to repeat it in their own words: "Can you tell me how you'll take this medicine?" This shows whether your message landed and gives a chance to fix misunderstandings.
Keep a few templates ready: short scripts for common conversations (new diagnosis, medication changes, discharge instructions), and standardized handouts that list next steps and red flags. Visuals help a lot—simple diagrams, pill photos, or calendars increase adherence. For phone or video calls, send a quick follow-up message summarizing the key points and any agreed actions.
Document clearly. Notes should be short, factual, and action-focused: what was discussed, what patient understood, and what the next steps are. Good documentation reduces errors when care moves between teams. Tag important items—allergies, recent test results, pending referrals—so they stand out at a glance.
For handoffs, use a checklist: situation, background, assessment, recommendation (SBAR). That keeps messages consistent and stops information loss. When using messaging apps or emails, be concise and include deadlines. If a message is urgent, call or mark it clearly so it isn’t missed.
Respect privacy and consent. Share only what’s needed and confirm the patient agrees when sending messages, photos, or using video. For telehealth, confirm identity and location early, and record consent for the visit if required by local rules.
Check your sources. When sharing treatment options or statistics, use trusted, recent guidelines or major journals. Link to simple patient-facing resources or local services so people can learn more without hunting for answers online.
Finally, stay human. Acknowledge emotions, give brief pauses for questions, and offer one clear next step. Small changes—less jargon, quick check-backs, tidy notes—make communication safer and less stressful for everyone involved.
In my latest blog post, I shared some useful tips for discussing Clobetasol with your doctor. This medicine is often used to treat a variety of skin conditions, but it's crucial to have an open and honest conversation about its potential side effects and your medical history before starting the treatment. It's important to ask about the correct dosage and explore any potential interactions with other medications you're taking. Also, discuss any concerns or fears, and don't hesitate to ask your doctor for clarifications. Remember, the key to effective treatment is clear communication with your healthcare provider.