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Talking with an Older Person

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Submitted By Cinto
Words 16913
Pages 68
A CLINICIAN’S HANDBOOK

Talking
With
Your
Older
Patient

NAT I O NA L INS TITU TE O N AGING
NATIONAL I NS TI TUTES OF HEA LTH
DEPARTM EN T OF HEA LTH A ND HUMA N S ERV I CES

Contents
Foreword

1

1. Considering Health Care Perceptions
“I’m 30 . . . until I look in the mirror.”

3

2. Understanding Older Patients
“Tell me more about how you spend your days.”

6

3. Obtaining the Medical History
“What brings you here today?”

13

4. Encouraging Wellness
“I’d like you to try this exercise routine.”

19

5. Talking About Sensitive Subjects
“Many people your age experience similar problems.”

23

6. Supporting Patients With Chronic Conditions
“Let’s discuss living with . . .”

36

7. Breaking Bad News
“I wish I had better news.”

40

8. Working With Diverse Older Patients
“Cultural differences, not divides.”

44

9. Including Families and Caregivers
“What would you like your family to know?”

48

10. Talking With Patients About Cognitive Problems
“You mentioned having trouble with your memory.”

51

11. Keeping the Door Open
“Effective Communication”

58

Publications At-a-Glance

60

Services At-a-Glance

Tear-Off Card

Foreword
Good communication is an important part of the healing process.
Studies find that effective physician-patient communication has specific benefits: patients are more likely to adhere to treatment and have better outcomes, they express greater satisfaction with their treatment, and they are less likely to bring malpractice suits.
Research also shows that good communication is a teachable skill. Medical students who receive communication training improve dramatically, not only in communicating with patients, but also in assessing and building relationships with them. Time management skills also get better.
Interpersonal and communication skills are now a core competency identified by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education

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