Dr. Dov Rand Discusses Patient Communication

As the recipient of the Patient Recognition Award in West Orange, NJ, Dr. Dov Rand is one of the most respected and trusted physicians throughout the state. To achieve this level of success, Dr. Dov Rand has focused much of his practice on clear communication with patients. “No matter how skilled in medicine you are, the ability to communicate effectively with patients will largely determine the quality of the care you provide,” says Dr. Dov Rand.

To help other physicians understand successful communication with patients, Dr. Dov Rand has graciously shared some of his techniques with us today. “Did you know that patients can forget up to 80 percent of what their primary physician tells them?” asks Dr. Dov Rand. “Furthermore, incorrectly remembering what the doctor tells you also creates a risk.”

To ensure proper communication, Dr. Dov Rand encourages:

• The teach back method. This method involves the physician such as Dr. Dov Rand explaining a treatment or condition – and then having the patient explain it back to the doctor in his or her own words. This method allows the physician to ensure that the patient understands everything correctly. Further, oral recitation helps the patient remember it accurately. 
• Using visual aids. “Sometimes as physicians, we’re so used to medical terminology that we forget that these words may be foreign to someone else,” says Dr. Dov Rand. Thus, Dr. Dov Rand encourages the use of visual aids for clarity and to solicit feedback to ensure that there is an explicit understanding between both parties.