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Medical Sciences Library

Obstetrics & Gynecology in Clerkship

Patient Education & Communication

Patient Education: Used to improve health outcomes, empower patients, and support self-management.

  • Ensure the resources are accessible in terms of language, readability, cultural relevance, and digital access.
  • Resources should be at an appropriate reading level, easily understood, and ideally offered in multiple formats (print, digital, audio) to accommodate different learning styles and needs.
  • Verify that patients have the necessary technology and digital literacy if resources are provided online. 

Resources

  • MedlinePlus and MedlinePlus Spanish is a comprehensive online health information resource designed for patients, their families, and friends. It offers a wide range of topics, including:
  • MedlinePlus Connectis a free service allowing electronic health record (EHR) systems to link users to health information easily.
    • How It Works
      • Request Information: MedlinePlus Connect responds to requests based on diagnosis codes, medication codes, lab test codes, and procedure codes.
      • Receive Links: When a system submits a code, MedlinePlus Connect provides links to relevant patient education materials.
      • Access Options: Available as a web application or web service, in both English and Spanish.
  • CDC Health Topics A-Z Index provides health information on popular topics, frequent inquiries, or topics relevant to the CDC’s public health mission. Includes open-access handouts, brochures, videos and more.
  • UpToDate is an evidence-based clinical resource that offers comprehensive patient education resources designed to help patients and their families understand medical conditions and treatments.
    • Levels of Content
      • The Basics: Short overviews written in plain language, answering the most important questions a person might have about a medical problem.
      • Beyond the Basics: Detailed reviews for readers who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical terminology.

Patient Handover

Accurately conveying key information to a transition team during care handoffs is critical for maintaining patient safety and ensuring continuity of care.

Effective Handover Strategies

  1. Standardized Protocols and Checklists: Use structured tools like the I-PASS handoff framework, which includes Illness severity, Patient summary, Action list, Situational awareness, and Synthesis by receiver. These tools promote clarity and reduce missed information.
  2. Face-to-Face and Two-Way Communication: Direct, verbal handoffs enable real-time clarification. Closed-loop communication—where the receiver repeats back key points—boosts understanding.
  3. Limiting Interruptions: Minimize distractions during handoffs by choosing quiet, low-traffic moments to support focused exchanges.
  4. Comprehensive Information Sharing: Include essential clinical data (e.g., patient status, treatment plans, risks, and follow-ups), along with supporting documentation like lab results or imaging.
  5. Team Member Preparation: Both outgoing and incoming teams should review patient information in advance to ensure an efficient, well-informed handoff.
  6. Training and Simulation: Ongoing education and practice through simulations help teams sharpen handoff techniques, borrowing best practices from aviation and other safety-critical fields.

Sources:

Difficult Discussions

Effective communication is essential for building trust, supporting shared decision-making, and ensuring compassionate, patient-centered care.

Effective Communication Strategies

  • Utilize structured tools: Use frameworks like the Serious Illness Conversation Guide to navigate discussions around prognosis, goals of care, and emotions (available in 14 languages).
  • Discuss prognosis transparently: Be honest while acknowledging uncertainty to build trust and support informed choices.
  • Allow time for processing: Give patients space to reflect; difficult discussions may require multiple conversations.
  • Explore values: Listen deeply to understand what matters most, including personal, cultural, or spiritual beliefs.
  • Understand relationships: Patient decisions are often shaped by their support network—include them as appropriate.
  • Address emotions: Acknowledge emotional responses with empathy and support.
  • Prepare for symptoms: Discuss what to expect and how symptoms will be managed to ease anxiety and promote agency.
  • Clarify goals of care: Use the full picture—values, relationships, prognosis—to shape realistic, patient-led goals.
  • Document thoroughly: Capture key decisions and preferences to ensure continuity across the care team.

Sources: