[Communication strategies to inform the patient]

In the last 30 years many factors have contributed to change the relationship between the physician and his patient, acknowledging the growing importance of the patient's active participation in the decision processes which regard his health. The majority of patients wants to be informed and involved and it is the physician's responsibility to satisfy these needs appropriately and correctly. Aim of this paper is to analyse this important information giving part of the medical consultation, to offer an operational framework and to describe the necessary communicative strategies which have been shown to increase patient understanding, satisfaction with information and adherence to treatment plans.