Editorial: Physicians need to listen more and better

A physician’s ability to explain, listen, and empathize has a profound impact on a patient’s care, stated Nirmal Joshi, MD, chief medical officer for Pinnacle Health System, in The New York Times earlier this week. However, one survey found that two out of three patients are discharged from the hospital without even knowing their diagnosis. Another study discovered that in more than 60% of cases, patients misunderstood directions after a visit to their doctor’s office, and on average, physicians wait just 18 seconds before interrupting patients’ narratives of their symptoms. “Evidently, we have a long way to go,” Joshi wrote.  

Source: The New York Times