How can you communicate with doctors across all modes?

1 Know your purpose

Before you initiate any communication with a doctor, make sure you have a clear and specific purpose. What do you want to achieve or convey? How urgent or important is it? How much detail or context do you need to provide? Having a clear purpose will help you choose the most appropriate mode, tone, and content for your communication.

2 Choose the right mode

Different modes of communication have different advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation and the message. For example, face-to-face communication allows for more nuance, feedback, and rapport, but it may not be feasible or convenient in some cases. Phone communication is more immediate and personal than email or text, but it may not leave a written record or confirmation. Email and text communication are more convenient and efficient, but they may lack clarity, emotion, or urgency. Choose the mode that best suits your purpose, the doctor's preference, and the availability of both parties.

3 Be concise and clear

Doctors are busy and often have to deal with multiple tasks and demands at the same time. Therefore, when you communicate with them, be concise and clear. Avoid unnecessary or irrelevant information, jargon, or slang. Use simple and direct language, and organize your message logically. If you are asking a question, requesting a consultation, or reporting a problem, state it clearly and provide the relevant details. If you are providing information, summarizing a situation, or updating a status, highlight the main points and the implications. If you are sending an email or a text, use a clear and descriptive subject line or heading, and break up your text into short paragraphs or bullet points.

4 Be respectful and professional

Communication with doctors is not only about exchanging information, but also about building trust and rapport. Therefore, be respectful and professional in your communication. Address the doctor by their title and name, unless they have told you otherwise. Use polite and courteous language, and avoid sarcasm, humor, or criticism. Express appreciation and acknowledgment when appropriate, and apologize if you have made a mistake or caused inconvenience. Follow the rules of etiquette and confidentiality for each mode of communication, and respect the doctor's time and availability.

5 Follow up and confirm

Communication with doctors does not end when you send or receive a message. You also need to follow up and confirm that the communication was successful and effective. Depending on the mode and the purpose of your communication, you may need to do one or more of the following: ask for feedback or clarification, confirm receipt or understanding, acknowledge action or resolution, document or report the outcome, or set up a follow-up communication. Following up and confirming will help you avoid misunderstandings, errors, or delays, and ensure that you and the doctor are on the same page.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?