Metaphors and analogies are favored tools of poets — and doctors. They invite us to see a person, idea, or object differently, by inviting comparisons. Providers use them often, to explain complex physiological phenomena to patients. They may even improve physicians’ communication. So what’s the problem? Sometimes they don’t work. They can even give patients […]
Clinical Communication
“We want to spend time with our patients.”
“We want to spend time with our patients,” the speaker said. The audience nodded, and sighed. I was a researcher at a conference for physicians, medical educators, researchers, and public health professionals. Among all the cutting-edge research, amidst all the promising practices, this one statement stood out. “We want to spend time with our patients. […]