Modern medicine’s true healing potential depends on a resource that is being systematically depleted: the time and capacity to truly listen to patients, hear their stories, and learn not only what’s the matter with them but also what matters to them. Some health professionals claim that workload and other factors have compressed medical encounters to a point that genuine conversation with patients is no longer possible or practical. We disagree.
Making Time to Really Listen to Your Patients
Learn not only what’s the matter with them, but also what matters to them.
October 09, 2017
Summary.
Hurried health care incurs hidden costs and offers false economy: Not taking the time to listen to and understand the patient harms both the patient and the clinician, who won’t have the benefit of pooled knowledge, ability to make fully informed mutual decisions, or time to build trust. The authors offer six steps health care organizations might take to reshape their cultures and learn not only what’s wrong with their patients, but what matters to them.