Here's how you can effectively convey complex medical information to patients as a patient advocate.

As a passionate patient advocate, we are more like a "translator" and "tourist guide" for our clients. Ice breaking session especially for each new client is very important to gauge their academic background, their upbringing, types of communication and level of thinking. Learning their interests, hobbies or type of job they are in are very helpful in making any kind of relationships of any complex ideas to the layman terms.

1. Replace technical terms with simple, everyday language. 2. Use visual aids like charts, diagrams, and illustrations to explain medical conditions and procedures. 3. Ask patients to repeat the information in their own words to ensure they understand. 4. Provide written materials that summarize key information in simple terms. 5. Pay close attention to the patient’s concerns, fears, and questions. 6. When discussing legal aspects, explain in simple terms what the documents mean and their implications. 7. Include family members or caregivers in discussions to ensure everyone understands the information. 8. Recommend or provide access to educational videos that explain medical procedures or conditions in an easy format.

Listen to the patient! You are the medical expert, but we live with challenging medical conditions. Treatments should be based on what’s important to your patient; we are all different. We quickly disengage if we don’t feel heard and respected. It isn’t easy, as I know how busy and stretched Healthcare professionals are, but please don’t rush us. We often have important information and questions.

Listening matters. ?? Today, more than ever. We’re all moving so quick that the basic concept of listening and communication is often missed. I was just thinking ?? out loud. Dr. Dooreck Also, on behalf of Executive Health Navigation

The key for patients in different situations is to individualize their care and make them feel like a unique person, not just a number or data point. It's important to learn about their personal interests, hobbies, family situation, and favorite activities. What did they enjoy doing before entering the clinic or hospital? ? Getting to know details like whether they have children, pets, or particular hobbies they can still engage with can create a more pleasant and supportive environment during their treatment. Individualizing the patient experience and connecting with them on a personal level provides emotional support and can bring tranquility not just to the patient, but also to their family and caregivers during a difficult time.

Simplifying medical jargon into understandable language is crucial for effective patient communication. Patients are more likely to grasp their conditions, treatments, and necessary actions when information is clear and straightforward. This approach reduces anxiety, promotes better compliance, and empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health. Using plain language and avoiding medical terminology whenever possible ensures that patients feel more comfortable and confident in managing their health care.

Breaking down the information into smaller, manageable parts and repeating each part before moving on to the next is helpful and prevents patients and caregivers feeling overwhelmed.

The healthcare system uses too many acronyms. Providers speak to patients as they speak to each other, not understanding that many patients benefit from explanations that an 8th grader would understand. Research confirms that health literacy in the United States is low. It's not only the explanation that is important but a discussion about how the "consequences" of the diagnosis effect their daily lives. Including whether or not they can pay for ongoing care. Many patients don't see their doctors or participate in treatments because they can't afford co-pays or medications. So, this discussion is much broader than conveying complex medical information. It's looking at whole-person care & social determinants of health and finding solutions.

Communicating complex medical info to patients is like "translating a diagnosis" – it requires "prescribing" clear language, "administering" empathy, and "vaccinating" them with understanding, making the information more accessible and less overwhelming!

We know you speak in medical language all of the time. We don’t. Please use layman terms and speak slowly. Check that we understand. Diagrams and patient information packs are helpful. Repeat important points several times.

I love the idea of effectively conveying complex medical information to patients using visual aids. However, I believe it involves several strategies: 1. Use clear, straightforward diagrams, charts, and models. Avoid medical jargon and focus on essential information. 2. Break down the information into manageable parts, explaining each step clearly using the visual aids. 3. Utilise models and interactive charts that patients can engage with, making the information more relatable. 4. Connect medical concepts to everyday experiences or familiar analogies, using visuals to illustrate these connections. 5. Ask patients to explain back the information using the visual aids, ensuring they comprehend the material.

Using visual aids with patients can enhance communication, comprehension, and engagement with their healthcare providers. Engage, ask, follow up.

Repeating key points to ensure patient understands the information is important and in some cases it is critical for patient safety (e.g., medication instructions). Ask the patient to repeat the information in their own words. This confirms their understanding and reinforces the information.

Show empathy towards the patient's emotions and concerns. Acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that you are there to support and advocate for them throughout their medical journey.

From my knowledge of the national health system in Colombia and the Andean region (Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador), the key for a patient with different situations is to create a message of interest and individualization. We know that in many spaces, the patient considers themselves just a number or another data point. However, the key is to individualize their care. What do they like? Who are they? Do they have children? Pets? What was their hobby before entering a clinic or hospital? Favorite team? Sport they want to watch? This not only creates a pleasant space for a person who requires emotional support under their condition but also provides tranquility for their family and caregivers.

One thing I've found helpful in the education of patients is to teach then have them repeat or demonstrate back. This gives the opportunity for the patient to ask questions and have a more open relaxed dialogue.

Follow up helps the patient to know they are not alone and to ask those questions they forgot to ask at the last meeting. It shows the patient how much we care.

Follow-up is especially crucial for non-clinical patient advocates. It helps bridge the gap between medical professionals and patients, ensuring that patients have understood the information correctly and feel supported. By following up, you can address any lingering questions, reinforce important details, and provide emotional support, which is essential for patient confidence and well-being. Regular follow-up also helps you stay updated on the patient’s progress and any changes in their condition, enabling you to advocate more effectively for their needs.

After providing explanations and psycheducatiion on the issue, I usually encourage people to ask their GP about their concerns and help them to work out how to word their questions. For example, I will explain that an antidepressant is not like Panadol; one needs to take it daily and as prescribed. If the person feels that this medication is not helping them, I recommend that they discuss this further with their GP. I will also have been working with them on things that they can do, such as eating breakfast, "food for your mood", behavioural activation starting with gentle stretches or walking, and talk with them about getting back to enjoyable and meaningful activities.

As a patient advocate, effectively conveying complex medical information to patients is crucial to ensure they understand their condition, treatment options, and make informed decisions. Use plain language to explain medical jargon, avoiding technical terms whenever possible. Diagrams, pictures, and videos can help illustrate concepts, making them easier to understand. Explain how the information applies to their situation. Divide complex information into smaller, manageable chunks. Ask patients to summarize what they've learned. Supplement with written resources, such as pamphlets or websites, for reference Foster an open and safe environment where patients feel comfortable asking questions.

Give patients written instruction and patient education brochures/flyers in a language they are proficient in and at a grade level they can understand.

Respect the patient's pace of understanding and processing information. Allow them time to absorb the information and be patient in answering their questions or addressing their concerns.

Encourage the person to attend medical appointments with a support person who can help them to ask questions and remember what was said at the interview.

While clinicians time is valuable: the need for repetition, reassurances and checking in on understanding is to be considered beyond initial appointments. Repeat explanations and clarity check due to the impact of stress related to illness management and coming to terms with implications of illness. These factors impact memory and patients ability to absorb and remember information, however simply explained may be limited! All treatments changes and plans could be followed up on paper with opportunity to ask over phone or email. Being a patient is as individual as each human and their lives equally so! Compassion and understanding takes place in many forms and is needed throughout treatment and beyond by some and deserved by all!