This article from JAMA Insights explores best practices for surgeons communicating with patients about surgery, particularly in high-stakes situations. It highlights three key communication strategies:
- Attending to emotion – Preparing patients and families for bad news by using clear, empathetic messaging, including “heads-up” statements and concise headlines. The article emphasizes the importance of responding with empathy to emotional reactions rather than just providing more technical information.
- Using scenario planning to manage uncertainty – Since surgical outcomes can be unpredictable, surgeons can help patients by outlining best-case and worst-case scenarios. This approach aids in setting realistic expectations and improving shared decision-making.
- Supporting deliberation by defining goals and downsides – Rather than relying on a “fix-it” model, surgeons should explicitly state the goal of surgery and describe potential downsides, such as recovery time and expected complications. This helps patients make informed choices about their treatment.
The article underscores the need for surgeons to refine their communication skills to foster trust, clarity, and collaborative decision-making in surgical care. Let me know if you’d like this summarized even further or if you need a specific focus
