The Clinical Encounter Revisited.

Link to article at PubMed

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The Clinical Encounter Revisited.

Am J Med. 2013 Dec 10;

Authors: Ami S

Abstract
The patient-physician encounter is the pivotal starting point of any healthcare delivery, but subject to multiple process breakdowns and prevalent suboptimal performance. An overview of the techniques and components of a successful encounter valid for every setting and readily applicable is presented, stressing seven rules. One, ensuring optimal environment, tools and teamwork. Two, viewing each encounter as a cognitive/biomedical challenge, a personal one and a learning opportunity. Three, maintaining a systematic, orderly approach and adopting an attitude of curiosity, concentration, compassion and commitment. Four, 'simple is beautiful': making the most of the highly-rewarding basic clinical data. Five, minding 'the silent dimension' - being attentive to patient's identity and emotions. Six, following 'The Holy Trinity' of gathering all information; consulting databases/colleagues; and tailoring gained knowledge to the individual patient. Seven, using the encounter as 'window of opportunity' by addressing screening and prevention; promoting health literacy; shared decision-making; and establishing proper follow-up. Barriers to implementation identified can be overcome by continuous educational interventions. A virtuous cycle of patient-provider interaction results increasing satisfaction, adherence and improving health outcomes.

PMID: 24333201 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The Clinical Encounter Revisited.

Link to article at PubMed

Related Articles

The Clinical Encounter Revisited.

Am J Med. 2013 Dec 10;

Authors: Ami S

Abstract
The patient-physician encounter is the pivotal starting point of any healthcare delivery, but subject to multiple process breakdowns and prevalent suboptimal performance. An overview of the techniques and components of a successful encounter valid for every setting and readily applicable is presented, stressing seven rules. One, ensuring optimal environment, tools and teamwork. Two, viewing each encounter as a cognitive/biomedical challenge, a personal one and a learning opportunity. Three, maintaining a systematic, orderly approach and adopting an attitude of curiosity, concentration, compassion and commitment. Four, 'simple is beautiful': making the most of the highly-rewarding basic clinical data. Five, minding 'the silent dimension' - being attentive to patient's identity and emotions. Six, following 'The Holy Trinity' of gathering all information; consulting databases/colleagues; and tailoring gained knowledge to the individual patient. Seven, using the encounter as 'window of opportunity' by addressing screening and prevention; promoting health literacy; shared decision-making; and establishing proper follow-up. Barriers to implementation identified can be overcome by continuous educational interventions. A virtuous cycle of patient-provider interaction results increasing satisfaction, adherence and improving health outcomes.

PMID: 24333201 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.