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First contact with the patientWhen you meet a patient, start with a warm greeting: 'Good morning, I'm Dr. Martin.' Use simple words instead of medical jargon. For example, say 'high blood pressure' instead of 'hypertension'. Ask open questions like 'How have you been feeling?' to encourage the patient to speak. Always introduce yourself and your role before any examination.
📖 Définition
Plain language: everyday words that a non-medical person can understand easily.
🔍 Exemple
Instead of 'myocardial infarction', say 'heart attack'.
⭐ À retenir
Avoid jargon; if you must use a medical term, explain it immediately.
💡 À retenir : Plain language builds trust and helps the patient understand you.
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Making the diagnosis clearWhen explaining a diagnosis, use the teach-back method: ask the patient to repeat what you said in their own words. For example: 'Can you tell me what you understood about your condition?' Use visual aids or simple analogies: 'Your arteries are like pipes; if they get clogged, blood cannot flow well.' Explain the treatment plan step by step, and check for questions. Always give written information to reinforce your message.
📢 Rappel
The teach-back method is a core communication skill in patient education.
🔍 Exemple
Doctor: 'Your blood sugar is too high. This means your body cannot use sugar properly.' Patient: 'So my body has too much sugar in the blood?'
⭐ À retenir
Never ask 'Do you understand?' because patients often say yes even when they do not.
💡 À retenir : Check understanding by asking the patient to explain it back to you.
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Clear instructions for medication and careWhen giving instructions, break them into small, numbered steps. For example: 'Take one tablet in the morning with food.' Use the imperative form: 'Take', 'Drink', 'Avoid'. Demonstrate how to use devices like inhalers or insulin pens. Ask the patient to show you how they will do it at home, then use teach-back: 'What will you do if you forget a dose?'
📖 Définition
Adherence: the extent to which a patient follows medical advice.
🔍 Exemple
Instead of 'Take your medication twice daily', say 'Take one pill at breakfast and one pill at dinner.'
⭐ À retenir
Always link instructions to daily routines (meals, waking up, bedtime) to help memory.
💡 À retenir : Clear, simple instructions prevent errors and improve adherence.
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Supporting behavior changeWhen counseling lifestyle changes, use a non-judgmental tone. Ask about the patient's readiness to change: 'On a scale from 1 to 10, how ready are you to quit smoking?' Listen actively and reflect feelings: 'It sounds like you are worried about gaining weight if you stop.' Set small, realistic goals together: 'Could you walk for 10 minutes after lunch this week?' Praise any effort, not just results.
📖 Définition
Motivational interviewing: a patient-centered counseling style that explores ambivalence and strengthens motivation.
🔍 Exemple
Patient: 'I know I should exercise, but I have no time.' Doctor: 'What would be the smallest change you could make?'
⭐ À retenir
Avoid lecturing; ask open questions and reflect the patient's own words.
💡 À retenir : Motivational interviewing helps patients find their own reasons to change.