Communicating with Today's Patient

“This stimulating guide presents old and new ways of communicating with patients, essential learning and relearning for all practitioners.” –John D. Stoeckle, M.D., primary care physician, Massachusetts General Hospital and professor emeritus, Harvard Medical School

“This book’s concise, direct approach will enable physicians to communicate more effectively and efficiently with their patients-a must in today’s managed care dominated healthcare environment.” –Elizabeth M. Gallup, M.D., J.D., M.B.A., president, executive vice president, New Century Health, IPA

“Having spent the last thirty years defAnding physicians and hospitals in medical malpractice cases, I say without hesitation that this book is a ‘must read’ for today’s overworked and overstressed physician.” –Maurice J. Garvey, J.D., defense malpractice attorney

“Superbly practical. Each chapter contains pearls you can use today. Explores the important role poor communication plays in treatment failure… .Give[s] us practical ways to avoid misdiagnosis and improve compliance.” –Kirk Strawn, M.D., director, Population Health Management, CIGNA HealthCare

“The only book that applies the medical model to communication techniques… .This book will help physicians, nurses, indeed, all clinicians, communicate more efficiently with patients-and with everyone else in their lives, too!” –Margaret G. McMahon, training manager, CIGNA University

“This handbook breaks through the friction and fog in so much health mis-communication… . The book gives us tools, good tips, and common sense. Desmond and Copeland don’t waste your time, but alert you to listening skills, the vocal cues, the body language of thepatient.” –Brent Baker, dean and professor of communication, Boston University

“As a resource, this book can be used time and again for doctors who struggle with the many challenges that prevent connecting with a patient, and in turn impede the healing process.” –Marilyn K. Yager, executive director, The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center

JOANNE DESMOND is president of Desmond Medical Communications and an international health care communications speaker and author.

LANNY R. COPELAND is past President and Chair of the Board of the American Academy of Family Physicians, as well as vice president of Primary Care Development at Phoebe Putney Health Systems in Albany, Georgia.