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Last updated on Feb 13, 2025
  1. All
  2. Healthcare
  3. Patient Advocacy

Patients are feeling overwhelmed during healthcare interactions. How can you provide the support they need?

In a sea of medical jargon and complex systems, it's vital to simplify the healthcare experience for patients. To offer the support they need:

- Explain medical terms and procedures in plain language to ensure understanding.

- Provide clear instructions for follow-up care or navigating the healthcare system.

- Offer emotional support by actively listening and showing empathy.

How do you make healthcare interactions less overwhelming for patients? Feel free to share your approaches.

Patient Advocacy Patient Advocacy

Patient Advocacy

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Last updated on Feb 13, 2025
  1. All
  2. Healthcare
  3. Patient Advocacy

Patients are feeling overwhelmed during healthcare interactions. How can you provide the support they need?

In a sea of medical jargon and complex systems, it's vital to simplify the healthcare experience for patients. To offer the support they need:

- Explain medical terms and procedures in plain language to ensure understanding.

- Provide clear instructions for follow-up care or navigating the healthcare system.

- Offer emotional support by actively listening and showing empathy.

How do you make healthcare interactions less overwhelming for patients? Feel free to share your approaches.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
64 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Dr. Ashish Mittal, MD Psychiatry (AIIMS, Delhi)

    Co-Founder @Athena | Chief Medical Officer | AIIMS (DELHI) | Psychiatrist & De-addiction Specialist | India Healthcare Award Winner | Leading Expert in Mental Health | Proven Leader Empowering Transformation

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    Healthcare can be overwhelming for patients. I focus on clear communication, active listening, and emotional support simplifying information, addressing concerns with empathy, and guiding them through each step to build trust and confidence.

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    Contributor profile photo
    Shreyash Gupta

    Gandhi Fellowship | Associated Board of Royal School of Music | Leadership & Organisation Development | Piramal School of Health

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    To ease patient overwhelm, Focus on clear, concise communication, explaining procedures and options in simple terms. Prioritize empathetic active listening, acknowledging their concerns and validating their feelings. Offering personalized support, like written summaries or follow-up calls, ensures they retain information. Strive to create a calm, empathetic environment, allowing patients to feel heard and understood. By empowering them with knowledge and support, Aim to reduce anxiety and foster a sense of control during their healthcare journey.

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    4
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    Contributor profile photo
    Lisa Rufsholm, NC

    Holistic health solutions and results as an Expert in Hair Mineral Analysis | Nutritional Natural Health & Wellness Consultant | Detox Coach | Guaranteed Improvements | Nutrition | HEALTHY MIND + HEALTHY BODY → YOU

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    I would like to add the practice of sharing the risks so they have the complete picture. Provide information on medicine, and procedure risks versus benefits and share with them that you will support their decision either way. Encourage them to ask questions and research on their own what is best for their care. If you have had to make a serious health decision you may feel open to sharing how you went through the process and decided your outcome to build trust and show support too.

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    4
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    Warda Zanib, MD

    Resident Family Physician - University Of Saskatchewan

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    I believe it's very important to make them feel comfortable as this builds Physicians patient relationship, secondly agenda setting and asking them openly about their expectations can help with shared decision making.

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    4
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    Contributor profile photo
    Gergely Bakai

    Strategic Life Science Communications That Lands Clients, Investors & Partners 🚀

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    Patients should feel confident in understanding what's happening during their care. We should provide them with a simple and jargon-free description of the process, so they get aware what they should do and what they can expect. Explainer videos are powerful in preparing patients for their visit and providing them with emotional confidence that they will be in good hands. Videos can be used beforehand (e.g.: on websites, social channels, as part of online booking) and on-site as well. Once patients are on site, then they need to feel they are listened to, treated with respect and once the results of their examination is ready they would ideally receive a personalized follow-up with detailed explanation amd next steps.

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    2
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    Contributor profile photo
    Hannah Nahar

    Building Passion and Future!

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    Many patients feel lost in the complexity of healthcare. Active listening and clear, jargon-free communication can make a world of difference. Simple steps like summarizing key points, offering written instructions, and encouraging questions can empower them. Holistic support addressing emotional, mental, and physical well-being also plays a crucial role.

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    2
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    Contributor profile photo
    Rafael de Araújo Ramos

    Cardiologista | Perito Médico | Tutor (Mais Médicos – UFSC) | AI Trainer em Saúde | Telemedicina Humanizada | Saúde Integrativa | Cristão em Missão

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    Refletir sobre as políticas públicas de saúde no Brasil é compreender que o cuidado em saúde vai muito além da consulta. Envolve o acolhimento, o acesso, a escuta qualificada e o compromisso com os princípios do SUS: universalidade, integralidade e equidade. Diante das vulnerabilidades que marcam tantos territórios, nosso papel é ser ponte - entre o conhecimento e a prática, entre o sistema e as pessoas. Fortalecer a atenção primária é fortalecer vidas. Seguimos com propósito e responsabilidade. #SaúdeColetiva #SUS #Atenção Primária #Cuidadolntegral

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    2
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    Contributor profile photo
    Arshiya Abdul Latheef

    Module Lead @Sopra Steria | 4x Certified in Microsoft and Google | Creative Thinker | Problem Solver | Innovator | ISB Shastra Pratibha 2015 Gold Medalist | IBM Certified | LinkedIn Content Creator | Ex-Accenture

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    To support overwhelmed patients during healthcare interactions, focus on: Clear Communication: Use simple language, avoid jargon, and repeat information. Active Listening: Pay attention, acknowledge concerns, and allow time for questions. Empathy and Patience: Show compassion, understand their anxiety, and avoid rushing. Providing Resources: Offer written materials, support group information, or contact details for follow-up. Empowerment: Involve them in decision-making and explain treatment options clearly. Create a Calm Environment: minimize distractions, and speak in a soothing tone.

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    1
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    Dr.Santhi Neelakkannan

    HR Leader & Passionate Educator |Doctorate in Management | Focused on Work-Life Balance, Employee Engagement, Talent Development and Academic Excellence

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    To support overwhelmed patients, healthcare providers can actively listen, offer clear explanations, and use simple language. Creating a calm, empathetic environment and giving patients time to ask questions fosters trust. Provide written instructions or resources to help them remember important information. Follow up with calls or messages to ensure they understand and feel supported throughout their care journey.

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    1
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    Sidra K
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    To help assist patient's who are feeling overwhelmed its important that the environment that they enter feels at ease. Creating a calm and quiet space helps patient to feel safe. Followed up questions about how they are feeling can also help them feel more relaxed. This is what I use in my daily practise at work.

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    1
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