The very nature of the unique yet interdependent roles of physicians and other patient care staff has stressed relationships among health care professionals for generations. In today’s environment of shorter lengths of stay, higher acuity and more complex processes, this tension makes interactions difficult at a time when superior communication among the health care team is more vital than ever.

Clear, compassionate communication with patients and families affects the quality of care as well.  The way that physicians interact with patients is one of the most influential drivers of patient satisfaction. The new H-CAHPS® patient satisfaction survey, developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality within the Department of Health & Human Services, focuses largely on communication issues.

A new 1.5-hour seminar designed especially for physicians highlights how communication affects success in their practices and the hospitals where they admit patients. Led by Burl Stamp, a former hospital CEO with a strong track record in building effective physician relationships, this seminar attacks tough communication issues and recommends practical, realistic approaches for improvement.

• Applying the “C.A.R.E.” model to improving communication in a variety of situations
• Assessing personal communication strengths and weaknesses
• Ensuring accuracy in patient care communication
• Exploring how trust and rapport impact communication effectiveness
• Handling difficult conversations more adeptly