White paper finds best patient-physician experience requires partnership, enhanced communication

In trying to define "the optimal patient experience," independent U.S. organisations The Beryl Institute and the American Association for Physician Leadership interviewed patients and physicians to identify how to be better aligned and how to close existing gaps that should be targeted for improvement. Many issues were identified but the results pointed to one overarching issue: Communication between patients and physicians need to improve. This white paper explores barriers that impede effective communication between patient and physician and suggests generosity of time, collaboration as a partnership, discussion of pros and cons of treatment options, and communication access to the doctor after office hours.