Communication and the health of the public

In a lecture delivered in July 1999 at an international meeting on Communication in Medicine, the author underscored the increasing importance of educating to ensure effective communication between health care providers and their patients. Among the factors cited were the decreasing amount of time available, the escalating complexity of medical information and treatment regimens, and diversity of populations. Key elements in meeting these challenges include an awareness of the importance of patient dignity in health care encounters and an improved ability to listen to patients and their concerns.