Good medical care depends on more than technical skill. It also depends on clear, honest communication.
Research consistently shows that patients are more satisfied, more trusting, and more engaged in their care when clinicians communicate well — even when outcomes are uncertain or not ideal¹. Good communication helps patients understand what is likely, what is possible, and what may not be achievable.
This matters because medicine involves probabilities, not guarantees. When communication is clear, patients are less likely to feel misled or disappointed by outcomes that were always within the range of expected possibilities.
Good doctors explain:
- What treatment can realistically achieve
- What limitations may remain
- What recovery may look like over time
When communication is strong, patients are better prepared for their journey and more resilient if outcomes differ from their hopes.
Technical excellence and communication are not separate skills. In modern healthcare, they are inseparable.
References
- Stewart M, Brown JB, Donner A, et al. The impact of patient-centred care on outcomes. Journal of Family Practice. 2000;49(9):796–804.
- Street RL, Makoul G, Arora NK, Epstein RM. How does communication heal? Pathways linking clinician–patient communication to health outcomes. Patient Education and Counseling. 2009;74(3):295–301.
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