Use terminology that can be understood by the patient. Involve the patient in decisions affecting his or her health to increase acceptance of the treatment plan. Look for nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, to indicate that the patient is listening. Message is understood by patient. Ask the patient to repeat the information back to you.
Message is retained by patient.
Present the most important information first. Ask the patient to summarize the treatment regimen during follow-up visits. Look for nonverbal cues, such as nodding. The patient adheres to treatment regimen. The impact of communications on the self-regulation of health beliefs, decisions, and behavior.