Patient Communication Skills Flashcards

A patient asks why the surgeon recommends a total ankle replacement instead of ankle fusion. The patient read online that fusion has better long-term outcomes. What is the ideal response?

Answer: Acknowledge the patient's research, discuss the evidence for both options, and tailor the recommendation to the patient's specific situation

Acknowledging patient research and engaging in a shared discussion about evidence supports informed decision-making and the therapeutic relationship.

Prior to a calcaneal osteotomy, a patient asks about the surgeon's personal complication rate. What is the best response?

Answer: Share your personal outcome data honestly and place it in context with published benchmarks

Transparency about personal outcomes, placed in appropriate context, is an ethical obligation and strengthens the trust required for informed consent.

A patient appears visibly distressed after receiving the diagnosis of Charcot neuroarthropathy. Which communication technique is most appropriate at this moment?

Answer: Allow a moment of silence, acknowledge the patient's emotional reaction, and ask if they want to continue the discussion

Pausing to acknowledge emotional distress before proceeding with clinical information demonstrates empathy and allows the patient to process the diagnosis.

During a pre-operative discussion, a surgeon uses terms such as 'dorsiflexory wedge osteotomy' and 'peroneal spastic flatfoot.' The patient nods throughout. What should the surgeon do?

Answer: Ask the patient to explain the planned procedure in their own words to confirm understanding

Using teach-back confirms actual comprehension, since nodding or silence does not reliably indicate understanding of technical medical terminology.

A parent brings their 16-year-old for evaluation of a bunion and insists on discussing diagnosis and treatment without the teenager present. What is the most appropriate approach?

Answer: Examine and counsel the adolescent patient directly, then include the parent in a summary discussion

Adolescents should be engaged directly in their care; while parental involvement is appropriate, the patient's autonomy and understanding must be fostered.

A patient with a history of chronic pain syndrome reports that postoperative pain is far worse than anticipated after a flatfoot reconstruction. The patient is upset and feels their concerns were dismissed. What is the priority response?

Answer: Apologize for the distress, validate the patient's experience, review pain expectations, and discuss a management plan

Validating the patient's pain experience and engaging collaboratively in a revised management plan addresses both the clinical and relational dimensions of the problem.

A surgeon leaves a voicemail informing a patient that their biopsy result showed a benign lesion. The patient later states they never received the message. What is the most appropriate process improvement?

Answer: Implement a closed-loop communication protocol requiring documented patient acknowledgment of all result communications

Closed-loop communication protocols ensure results are received and understood, reducing the risk of patients missing critical clinical information.