IN OTHER WORDS…
written by Terry - August 17th, 2010 at 6:28 am
A message from Terry: Clear communication is a vital step in winning any patient’s trust and cooperation. Patients are apt to resist when they feel:
- Confused
- Under-informed
- Ignored
- Overwhelmed
- Pressured
With this in mind, we strive to clearly describe the current state of their dental health and the reasoning behind any proposed treatment plan. But how can we convey all of that without drowning them in technical jargon? How can we best put it all in perspective and help them to understand the implications and the bottom line?
Metaphors and analogies can be a big help! By comparing something new (their clinical situation) to something that’s already familiar to them, we can forge a bridge of connection and understanding. Here are a few examples:
- “If you had a leaky roof and a stained ceiling, would you just paint the ceiling during a dry spell and not fix the roof?”
- “A crack in your tooth is like a crack in your car’s windshield. Once it starts, it’s likely to get bigger.”
- “It’s important for us to work with you to chart a course. We can’t navigate without a map.”
Can you think of some metaphors or analogies that might help you get your point across to your patients in a friendly and accessible way?
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