What factors contribute to poor communication between patient and doctor?
• Limited time. Because patient visits often last less than 15 minutes, there is little time devoted to discussing the types of medications prescribed and how to take them. • Medical Terms. Frequently doctors use unfamiliar medical terms that patients may not fully understand. This can result in miscommunication as well as frustration, especially for the patient. • Patient Hesitation or Discomfort. Patients may feel uncomfortable asking questions or may hesitate to ask questions because they are not certain what to ask.
