Clinical application of ASCEND: a pathway to higher ground for communication

Patient-centered care requires effective, consistent communication, yet there is little consensus on how to introduce and reinforce communication skills for clinicians. Clinician exposure to such education varies by discipline, medical specialty, generation, and culture. Although numerous mnemonic devices have been used in teaching communication skills, the role of these tools in encouraging good communication is unclear. In this brief report, we review the benefits and limitations of mnemonic tools and present a case report utilizing a new tool that seeks to facilitate recall of important components of patient-centered communication, including the commonly overlooked areas of preparation and documentation. Implications for the use of this tool in varied clinical settings, education, and research are discussed.