Make it count: 5 ways to have a positive impact during brief patient encounters

Radiologists don’t always get to spend a lot of time speaking with patients. Nevertheless, according to a recent article published by Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology, there are plenty of ways to make a good first impression when brief patient encounters do take place.

Puneet Bhargava, MD, and Linda E. Chen, MD, from the department of radiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, Wash., wrote about some of the many ways radiologists can get the most out of one-on-one patient interaction. 

1. Sound natural.

“To facilitate a successful patient encounter, it can be helpful to prepare a short script and rehearse until it comes naturally when speaking to a patient,” Bhargava and Chen wrote. “Though this may seem trivial, having a set introduction in mind not only aids in kicking off a smooth interaction, but also helps you focus more on details specific to the patient.”

The more confident and comfortable a radiologist sounds, the more relaxed a patient is going to feel. By rehearsing that initial introduction, radiologists can go a long way toward sounding like they know what they’re doing and are ready to provide the best possible care.

2. Find out what the patient knows.

Numerous studies have shown that patients do not fully understand what a radiologist does, but it’s still important to have a two-way conversation when discussing the patient’s situation.

“Contrary to our training in medical school for patient interaction; open-ended questions might not be the most appropriate in the patient-radiologist dynamic,” Bhargava and Chen wrote. “Patients often have a basic understanding of why studies were ordered and needed, so exploring what patients know can be a good starting point in assessing their knowledge of their own medical conditions. A great way to get started is with confirming with patients the reasons for the particular radiology studies.”

In addition, the authors noted that it is helpful to deliver study results in a way the patient will understand. By first finding out what the patient understands, radiologists will gain insights guiding how to proceed with any necessary explanations.

3. Give the patient opportunities to ask questions.

The authors wrote that it’s important to ask patients if they have any questions and to make sure they know they’ll have numerous chances to ask questions later. There is also value in telling the patient it’s OK if they don’t have questions right away; getting so much new information at once may be too much for them at that exact moment, and that’s a completely understandable response.

4. Be cognizant of your body language.

The authors explained that physicians can demonstrate their empathy through body language. One good way to show you are empathetic: Have a seat! You don’t want to look like you’re in too much of a hurry to sit down and chat.

When you walk through that door, it could be the first time that particular patient has ever encountered a radiologist. You’ll be in the middle of a busy day, to be sure, but by sitting down instead of just standing by the door, you show that you care about the patient and have set time aside to speak with them.

5. Give the patient time.

Another way to show empathy, the authors explained, is by giving the patient time to react to news, especially if it’s particularly bad news. A radiologist may have a full schedule ahead of them, but patients need time and, sometimes, space.

“Many times the study results can be difficult to convey, especially when breaking bad news,” Bhargava and Chen wrote. “Allowing time for silence and tears is important and therapeutic for patients to digest and process the information. If there are family members or support network in the room for the patient, it can be beneficial to step out (to return later, if needed) for the family members to grieve or discuss if needed.”