What is meant by the term “health equity” is far from obvious. Particularly in research and policy, the impact of differences in the meaning of a term can be significant. Here’s six reasons why we need to keep our eye on the ball when it comes to the meaning of health equity–and concrete, practical ways […]
Patient Centered
Episode #93 Revisiting patient misconceptions
Everyone’s talking about vaccines, and talking about talking about vaccines. And there are plenty of misconceptions to go around. In this episode we go back to the first topic in this podcast series–misconceptions. You’ll learn about: what misconceptions really are and where they come from, why embracing misconceptions can improve patient education, how misconceptions can work […]
US House Ways & Means releases new Equity Framework
“Health does not exist in a vacuum, and achieving health equity will require addressing the economic and social inequities that have long persisted within our country.” This statement is from the Introduction to a new Ways and Means Committee Report, entitled Something Must Change: Inequities in U.S. Policy and Society. It was released this week, along with a document […]
Episode #89 Dr. Jonas Attilus on humility and power in patient communication
“I feel like it’s normal for people to mistrust us.” In our first episode of the year, Physician Dr. Jonas Attilus shares stories about his practice, and talks about how he deals with issues of trust, humility, power and respect in his communication with his patients. Listen to the interview here and read the transcript […]
Are you communicating about vaccines? 4 reflective practice prompts
Today’s emotionally fraught landscape is part of the context around any communication about vaccines and vaccination. Health and public health pros who talk and/or write about vaccines and vaccination have research-based knowledge — as well as strong feelings –about vaccines and their use. Add to this the human, economic, and emotional toll the pandemic has […]
Workshop: Improve your medical metaphors
Metaphors are everywhere. And they’re powerful. Multiple studies have proven that they make a difference in how patients think and act. They enhance patient communication. They’re time-saving in their efficiency. The problem is, sometimes they don’t work. There can be cultural mismatches. They can even give patients the wrong impression. And you usually can’t tell […]