4 E’s of Communication for Every Provider-Patient Interaction

Published on 2 June 2020

Engage

Invite patients to share their medical story. Ask open-ended questions. Find out what matters most to the patient

Empathise

Show patients that you see and hear them. Accept their values and feelings even if they are different from your own.

Educate

Ask patients what they know and want to know. Answer their questions. Provide written information. Ask patients questions to confirm their understanding.

Enlist

Forge a health partnership by collaborating with patients to make care decisions. Seek agreement on treatment plans and monitor progress.

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