May We Talk? Having Those Difficult Conversations

About this WorkshopIf we are not aware of what is broken, how can we commit to repairing it? Health Care Providers indicate that communication skills are just as important as technical skills in achieving positive patient outcomes, leading to increased patient satisfaction and compliance. However, recent studies have shown less than 20% of healthcare providers felt they were adequately trained in the competency of communication.* In addition, studies have shown patient satisfaction increases with improved communication. Physician job satisfaction, in turn, increases with patient satisfaction. Patient compliance also increases when patients are part of the planning and decision making process related to their care.This seminar will address the interpersonal and communication skills, which are important attributes of healthcare providers as noted by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the Accrediting Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), American Nursing Association (ANA), allowing for compassionate and empathetic conversations when dealing with patients during medical crises and end-of-life care issues. By utilizing improved communication skills, attendees will then be shown how to facilitate the creation of their patient’s own advance care plan, to be used by the patient care team at the time of hospitalization.The day will close with an interactive Q/A speaker panel to address attendees specific questions.*Fredrick D. Ashbury, PhD, et al, Physician Communication Skills: Results of a Survey of General/Family Practitioners... Medical Education Online 2001-2006.Educational ObjectivesAt the completion of this seminar,attendees will be able to:

• Describe the present sentiment related to patients having difficult conversations with their caregiver related to serious illness or end-of-life care and how it can be changed.
• List reasons why care providers resist having conversations related to serious illness or end-of-life care.
• Explain the steps in having conversations with patients which will not sacrifice a patient's Hope.
• Recognize the importance of beingpresent as an active listener when dealing with difficult conversations.
• Review the communication process enabling the balance of hope and realism in the face of bad news.
• Describe how communication skills can motivate change in patient compliance with advance care planning.
• Explain how the Medical Society is recruiting and coordinating clinical pilot projects across the state.
• Demonstrate how you can engage in your community to share the benefits of advance care planning.