Communication as Preventative Medicine: How Effective Conversations Can Enhance Health and Save Time, Money, and Lives
Imagine this: A woman visits her doctor with common symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. The doctor, in a hurry, prescribes pain relievers without asking many follow-up questions. A year later, she is diagnosed with advanced diabetes. But what if that first conversation had gone differently? What if she had felt comfortable expressing her concerns, and her doctor had taken the time to ask about her diet and family history?
Now, please let me begin by saying that this is not a tale of blame or shame. I am not about to say that the lack of additional questions caused the woman’s diabetes. What I will say is that I bet if additional questions would have been asked. If more time had been allowed for the provider to hear about the woman's experiences, habits, and diet, the diagnosis could have come sooner. Thus providing the patient with more time to correct or adjust to a new way of life.
Yet this time is so often not affordable. We can all agree that patients and physicians alike understand the reality that the average time a patient spends with their provider has diminished over the years. Increased needs and pressure from insurance companies have forced physicians to see more patients. According to a recent survey of more than 19,000 physicians the average time a doctor spends with a patient ranges from 17-24 minutes. This time includes reviewing the previous notes, hearing current concerns, initial assessment, physical examination, discussion of findings, and follow-up instructions or scheduling. However, this range varies widely by specialty due to practice policies, specialty needs, patient acuity levels, and the working environment. Additionally, through payment structures and incentives, many insurance companies indirectly influence the length of doctor's appointments by favoring high-volume practices and shorter appointment times. This often results in compressed appointments, sometimes to as little as 15 minutes, impacting doctors' time with each patient.
Again, I stand by the fact that this piece is not about blame or shame. The healthcare system is a complex web that no one article could ever fix. But there are simple things that could help. Things that require no additional funds. Skills that have been researched and taught for decades. Skills that apply whether you are the patient, caregiver, or provider. Skills that, unfortunately, many overlook and underestimate.
Communication is often thought of as a “soft skill,” but a great deal of “hard science” supports the idea that communication changes not only our minds but also our bodies. As a result, it should be considered an essential lifesaving tool in healthcare. Research has consistently shown that effective doctor-patient communication leads to better health outcomes, including higher treatment adherence, fewer medical errors, and improved disease prevention. Meanwhile, poor communication contributes to misdiagnoses, unnecessary hospitalizations, and even fatalities.
As a health communication scholar and board-certified patient advocate, I want to explore how communication about health can help you avoid illness, manage chronic conditions, and make informed health decisions.
Doctor-Patient Communication: The First Line of Defense
A strong doctor-patient relationship built on open communication is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. When patients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to share their symptoms fully and accurately. This can be life-saving. Take, for instance, how a patient experiencing chest discomfort may downplay it as “indigestion.” However, a provider skilled in communication knows the right questions to ask—such as whether the pain worsens with exertion or radiates to the arm. These questions can uncover the warning signs of heart disease, allowing for early intervention that might prevent a heart attack. As a result, providers who actively listen and encourage open dialogue create an environment where patients feel safe discussing their concerns. These simple yet powerful exchanges can lead to quicker diagnoses, better adherence to treatment plans, and, ultimately, healthier lives.
Understanding Medical Language Saves Lives
Medical terms can be confusing, and for many people, this confusion can have serious consequences. Studies show that about 36% of U.S. adults have limited health literacy, making it difficult for them to understand medication instructions, follow discharge plans, or recognize symptoms of serious conditions. This gap in understanding increases the risk of medication errors, hospital readmissions, and complications from chronic diseases. Consider for a moment a 65-year-old man with hypertension misreads his blood pressure medication label, accidentally taking twice the prescribed dose. The result? Dizziness, a dangerous fall, and a trip to the emergency room. A simple conversation with his doctor or pharmacist—using clear, everyday language instead of medical jargon—could have prevented this. Healthcare providers must ensure patients fully understand their conditions, medications, and treatment plans. This means using plain language, asking patients to repeat instructions in their own words (a technique called “teach-back”), and providing easy-to-read materials.
Shared Decision-Making: Empowering Patients for Better Outcomes
Health decisions should not be one-sided. Patients who actively participate in decisions about their care are more likely to stick to treatment plans, adopt healthier habits, and experience better outcomes. Shared decision-making strengthens trust between patients and providers, giving individuals a sense of control over their health. This might look like instead of a patient with diabetes being told to simply “eat healthier” the provider takes the time to explain how specific dietary choices affect blood sugar levels—and works with the patient to develop a realistic meal plan—the patient is far more likely to follow through. When this time is not available, programs with diabetes care teams and patient advocates should be offered. Involving patients in discussions about their care, healthcare providers help them make informed choices that align with their values and lifestyle. This approach improves adherence to medical advice, reduces hospitalizations, and fosters long-term health improvements.
Ask, Listen, Repeat: The Golden Rule of Health Conversations
We must never forget that effective health communication is a two-way street. Patients must feel encouraged to ask questions, while healthcare providers should listen actively and summarize key points to ensure understanding. A simple yet powerful technique is the "Ask, Listen, Repeat" approach:
Ask: Patients should feel empowered to ask about symptoms, treatment options, and potential risks.
Listen: Doctors and healthcare providers should listen without interruption, validating the patient’s concerns.
Repeat: Providers should summarize key information, and patients should repeat back instructions to confirm understanding.
Patients and doctors can work together to improve health outcomes by fostering open and respectful dialogue.
Breaking the Stigma: Normalizing Conversations on Sensitive Health Topics
Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to seeking medical help. Many people avoid talking about mental health, sexual health, chronic illnesses, or substance use due to fear of judgment. The result? Delayed diagnoses, untreated conditions, and worsening health outcomes.
As a means of combating this, society needs to normalize discussions about these issues. Public awareness campaigns, open conversations, and the courage of individuals to share their experiences can help break down barriers. One of the fastest ways to accomplish this is through media.
Be it shows, movies, or reels on Instagram, open communication about complex topics and mediated narratives have been established to educate and encourage health behavior change across a wide range of audiences. Integrating messages about health topics, such as HIV and AIDS or Cancer, into the programs that viewers already watch and, more importantly, talking about offers a greater chance of the messages impacting attitude and behavior. Ultimately, these discussions provide an opportunity to increase awareness, and the audience often gains new opinions on the issues presented.
Family & Community Support: The Role of Social Conversations in Health
Finally, we must never forget that health is not just an individual journey—it’s a family and community effort. Conversations about health within these circles can lead to better awareness, early detection of diseases, and collective efforts to adopt healthier lifestyles. By normalizing discussions about medical history, preventive care, and everyday well-being, families and communities can become a vital support system for better health outcomes.
Understanding Family Medical History: A Lifesaving Conversation
Many serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health disorders, have genetic components. Talking openly about medical history allows family members to understand their health risks and take preventive measures. Encouraging conversations about family history helps individuals make informed choices, such as getting genetic testing, scheduling regular screenings, or adopting healthier habits.
The Power of Community Conversations
Beyond the family unit, communities are crucial in shaping health behaviors. Religious groups, workplaces, schools, and social circles influence how people think about health. When communities encourage open dialogue about preventive care, mental health, and wellness, people are more likely to seek medical help and make positive lifestyle changes. For instance, local community centers can host free health workshops on nutrition, exercise, and diabetes prevention. Attendees learn practical ways to improve their health, and the shared experience motivates them to make lasting changes together. By actively providing health education, these community centers can also play a role in dispelling misinformation. Misinformation about vaccines, chronic diseases, and alternative treatments often spreads through word of mouth or social media. Health-conscious communities can counteract these myths by sharing evidence-based information and encouraging members to seek advice from credible sources.
Training Healthcare Professionals: The Need for Better Communication Skills
Doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers spend years mastering medical science, but one of the most critical skills—effective communication—often receives minimal formal training. One way to enhance healthcare communication is by including patient advocates as part of the care team. Patient advocates help ensure that individuals fully understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and rights, making healthcare more patient-centered and accessible.
What is a Patient Advocate?
A patient advocate is a trained professional—often a nurse, social worker, or experienced health educator—who supports individuals in navigating the healthcare system. They help patients ask the right questions, clarify medical language, and ensure doctors and other providers address their concerns. For example, a cancer patient receiving a complex treatment plan might feel overwhelmed by medical jargon and multiple therapy options. A patient advocate can sit with them during appointments, break down the information in simpler terms, and help them weigh their choices, ensuring they make informed decisions.
How Patient Advocates Improve Communication and Care
One of the most significant roles of an advocate is to help empower patients to speak up and ask questions. Many patients hesitate to ask questions due to time constraints or fear of appearing uninformed. Advocates encourage open dialogue, ensuring patients feel comfortable discussing concerns and clarifying doubts. This might include repeating and summarizing key points from medical discussions, thus reinforcing important information.
Advocates must work alongside doctors to present treatment options clearly, discuss risks and benefits, and align medical care with the patient’s values and preferences. When doctors work alongside patient advocates, we create a healthcare team that is both medically effective, compassionate, inclusive, and patient-centered. When patients feel heard, informed, and supported, healthcare becomes not just about treatment—but about true healing.
Empowering Patients: How to Advocate for Your Own Health
Patients are not just passive recipients of care—they are active participants in their own health. However, many people hesitate to ask questions, seek second opinions, or research their conditions. Patient empowerment means taking charge of your health decisions and ensuring you fully understand your options.
Here are some key ways to advocate for yourself:
✅ Ask Questions: If you don’t understand a diagnosis or treatment, ask for clarification.
✅ Request Alternatives: If a treatment doesn’t feel right, ask about other options.
✅ Do Your Research: Look up reputable sources like the CDC, WHO, or Mayo Clinic before believing health claims.
✅ Get a Second Opinion: A different perspective can provide reassurance or better alternatives.
Taking an active role in your health can lead to better outcomes and a greater sense of control.
A Call to Action: Steps for YOU to Take Today
Improving health communication starts with small, everyday actions. Here’s what you can do right now:
🗣️ At Your Next Doctor’s Visit, Ask These Three Questions:
What is my main health concern?
What are my treatment options?
What can I do at home to improve my health?
👨👩👧 Start a Health Conversation With Family Members:
Ask about family medical history.
Discuss lifestyle habits like diet and exercise.
Encourage open discussions about mental and reproductive health.
📰 Contact a Patient Advocate
Compassionatenavigation.com is just one place you can get started.
Good communication isn’t just about making medical visits smoother—it’s a lifesaving tool. Our conversations with our doctors, families, and communities influence our decisions, behaviors, and health outcomes. Research consistently shows that when patients feel heard, they are more likely to seek timely care. When doctors communicate clearly, patients are more likely to follow treatment plans. When stigma is broken, more people seek the help they need. Finally, when families discuss medical history, they can prevent future health crises.
By asking the right questions, listening actively, and challenging misinformation, we can create a world where good health begins—not in the hospital—but in the conversations we have every day. Let’s start talking about better health—because every conversation can save a life.
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