As physicians, we have always been cognizant of the importance of communication with our patients. Effective patient communication builds trust, enhances the quality of care, can improve outcomes, and can lead to greater patient satisfaction. But how effective are those communications? It's a challenge for all physicians, but especially for anesthesiologists since we have limited time to build relationships with our patients. That communication, however, has never been more vital.
Undoubtedly, many of you have found ways to connect with patients during preoperative and postoperative interactions. ASA's Enhancing Patient Communications Program – part of the Made for This Moment campaign – is designed to help you build your communication skills to ensure patients remember you are the physician leading their anesthesia care and that they recognize and value the care you provide.
Anesthesiologists are perioperative experts and the physician leaders in charge of the patient's medical care throughout the perioperative...
