1. Should medical schools and residency
programs focus more on
communication skills and if so, which
ones and how should they be taught?

2. Patients can be encouraged to be educated and seek services in the following ways.
A way to encourage patients to be educated may be to allow them to ask questions of
physicians or knowledgeable nurses. Patients not used to being proactive obtaining
information, may need to feel comfortable with the doctor or nurse to do so.
o What can physicians or nurses do for patients to feel comfortable? Physicians can
build rapport with patients by showing that they genuinely care about the patient’s
health. A physician can show that s/he cares by taking time to listen to patients,
show sympathy for patients, and be open to differences in opinions. i
Provide medical information in various formats, such as pamphlets, videos, interactive
slides. All of these mediums should have pictures and when possible, provide ways in
which patients can interact with it (e.g. pressing a button). This information should be
offered in different languages to meet the linguistic needs of the patient and could be
provided while the patient is waiting to see the doctor. Then either a doctor or a nurse
can be available to answer any follow-up questions.ii
i
Caal, S. et al,(2012) Reproductive Health Care through the Eyes of Latina Women: Insights for Providers. Child Trends. Reproductive Health Care through the Eyes of Latina Women: Insights for Providers
ii
Ibid