This chapter offers suggestions for improving open and effective patient-clinician communication. The first step involves training clinicians to recognize communication barriers. All members of health care organizations, from senior leadership to front-line office assistants, require training to enhance awareness of potential communication barriers and strategies for accommodating communication needs. The chapter reviews various approaches for improving communication, as well as training clinicians to improve their interview and interaction skills with patients with disabilities. Training...

This chapter offers suggestions for improving open and effective patient-clinician communication. The first step involves training clinicians to recognize communication barriers. All members of health care organizations, from senior leadership to front-line office assistants, require training to enhance awareness of potential communication barriers and strategies for accommodating communication needs. The chapter reviews various approaches for improving communication, as well as training clinicians to improve their interview and interaction skills with patients with disabilities. Training should include efforts to increase sensitivity to stigmatizing attitudes and other social barriers experiences by persons with disabilities. The chapter also discusses clinicians with disabilities.