Having a “Difficult Conversation” Can Benefit You and Your Patient

Some topics are hard to discuss with patients. No one enjoys talking to someone about sensitive issues like losing weight, opioid use or quitting smoking, especially when you expect an emotional response.

You might be concerned about your patients’ reactions to these conversations, but research shows that giving advice on tough issues does not decrease patient satisfaction with their care.

In fact, L.A. Care data shows that providers who discuss exercise with their patients have higher Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) scores. This can be a win-win — if providers give advice, patient health outcomes may improve along with satisfaction ratings. 

For more information, please refer to the research below:

• Engaging Doctors to Use Office Visits to Promote Physical Activity - APHA 2017 Presentation by L.A. Care
• Advice to Quit Smoking and Ratings of Health Care among Medicare Beneficiaries Aged 65 - Health Services Research Journal Abstract on PubMed  
• CAHPS Moving Forward: Innovations in Tools & Research - Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Webcast