Explaining medical conditions

Questions you must ask What does the patient already know? What does the patient want to know? What does the patient need to know? How much do I know?

Have I put myself in a position to give information Have I put myself in a position to give information? Do I understand their Ideas, Concerns and Expectations and have I explored the psychosocial impact of their problem? Do I have time? Do I know what information I want to give? What do they know already? What do they want to know now? What do I have to share now, what can wait to later, what might I have to find out for later?

Can I phrase and deliver it in a way the patient can understand Can I phrase and deliver it in a way the patient can understand? A good explanation should be stripped of medical jargon, use terms, analogies or diagrams which help patient understanding and should be adapted to reflect their ideas, concerns and expectations. Does it tie in with their I.C.E

How can I make sure that I’m giving the information that the patient needs and wants? Look for the verbal and non verbal cues, summarise and check with the patient.

Can I detail the explanation in such a way as to make the management options make sense and cover the relative merits of each option

Patient information leaflets Will it help? Do you know what’s in it? Do they want it? Run through the key points so the patients appreciates it’s value