The document discusses factors that are important for building strong patient-provider partnerships. It emphasizes that consumers believe relationships are the most important factor in quality care. Providers should be active listeners who understand patients' needs, communicate clearly using language the patient understands, make patients feel respected and cared for, and engage in shared decision making that considers patients' goals, preferences, and lifestyle. The roles of patients include preparing for appointments, asking questions, providing honest information, doing homework on their conditions, and taking an active role in treatment decisions and care. Building trust and using a team-based approach are also emphasized.

1. Building Better
Patient-Provider
Partnerships
SHARE: Topic Driven Round
Table Discussion

2. Quality Care
 A 2017 survey from the Council of Accountable
Physician Practices (CAPP) found that consumers
believe patient-provider relationships are the
single most important factor in quality care.
 A separate 2017 survey from Change Healthcare
found that 72 percent of providers give the patient
experience top priority.

3. What do YOU want?
When you consider the relationship you want with
your doctor, what is important to you?
 Reputation
 Years of experience
 Gender
 Bedside manner
 Research

4. ACTIVE LISTENER:
 When you leave, do you feel like you’ve heard
a lecture or had a conversation?
 Does your doctor ask exploratory questions to
understand your needs?
 Do you feel respected?
 Over time does your doctor learn your
decision making style?

5. Active Listener: Your Role
 Come prepared.
 Let the information you have researched (or
gathered in a support group!) guide your
questions.
 Raise concerns that have been nagging at you
between visits.
 Connect beyond your medical care: emotional,
spiritual, nutrition, relationships…
 Ask for referrals if not directed to additional
support
 Be thorough but succinct.

6. STRONG COMMUNICATION
SKILLS
 Providers should check your understanding of
treatment and/or follow up care.
 Provide information using clear and specific
language.
 Seek translators when necessary.
 Provide additional education resources
 Follow up in a timely manner

7. Communicator: Your Role
 Repeat back what you heard to the doctor.
 Take notes.
 Ask the right questions:
 Why are you ordering this test?
 Why are you prescribing a certain medication? What
risks should I know about?
 If a procedure or surgery doesn’t work — or I decide
not to have it — what other options are available?
 How often have you treated my condition?
 What can I do on my own to improve the outcome?
Cleaveland Clinic: Health Essentials

8. TRUSTWORTHY &
COMFORTABLE
 Makes you feel understood and cared
throughout the cancer trajectory.
 Considers all aspects of your life as part of
your well being.
 Respects your time:
 In the waiting room
 During appointments
 Awaiting lab results

9. Comfortable: Your Role
 Be open and honest.
 Doctors need ALL the information to make
informed decisions about your care.
 Include financial, work, insurance or
relationship related stress that could impact
your treatment.

10. SHARED DECISION
MAKING
 Patient education is vital to ensure patients
have the information necessary to be an
informed member of the team.
 Patient cultural and personal preferences are
understood and respected.
 Engage family caregivers where appropriate.

11. DECISION MAKING: Your Role
 Do your homework.
 Talk openly about your goals (for treatment,
side effect management and more)
 Know your medical records and history
 Do your part:
 Keep follow up appointments
 Take medication as directed
 Record side effects

12. Use the WHOLE team
 Remember your medical team consists of
many different professionals:
 Medical oncologist
 Radiologist
 Nurse practitioner
 Social worker
 Nutritionist
 Oncology therapist… and more.
 Seek support mindfully.