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Effective communication with the patient

CORRESPONDENCE: R. Booker, National Respiratory Training Centre, Warwick, CV34 4AB, UK. Fax: 44 1926493224. E-mail: r.booker{at}nrtc.org.uk

The chronic and slowly progressive nature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can create difficulties in effective communication between healthcare provider and patient. Such barriers, which include the personal beliefs of both caregiver and patient, need to be understood and addressed if the aims of the consultation are to be met.

Patients with COPD may feel guilty, depressed and angry about their condition. Many patients with COPD are elderly and/or from lower socio-economic groups, both of which pose challenges to the caregiver, as does the stigma the disease carries, which stems from its strong link with smoking.

Humanity, respect and people orientation are vital to good communication with COPD patients. Physicians and nurses should try to avoid patient misunderstanding and uncertainty, involve the patient in decision-making and achieve a shared understanding (concordance), as well as encourage the patient to accept responsibility for the actions agreed. This should improve management decisions made by healthcare professionals and ensure a more satisfied patient. Greater patient satisfaction may improve concordance and so bring about better patient outcomes.

KEYWORDS: Communication, concordance, consultation, inhaler technique, self-management