Tools Help Foster Communication Between Patients and Clinicians

I’m a big fan of the AHRQ’s tools and have a new one to share. I realize that some people aren’t impressed by some of the tools, but overall I think that they are good — and they are free. If for no other reason, they will help stimulate ideas among providers who that then improve upon the resources they provide.

The latest tools are part of the “Questions Are the Answer,” a new public education initiative that encourages patients and their clinicians to engage in effective two-way communication to ensure safer care and better health outcomes. An added benefit, or as we say in Louisiana a little “lagniappe” is the contribution improved safety and outcomes has on the patient experience.

To promote safer care and the importance of Patient Safety Awareness Week (March 4–10), AHRQ offers these free multimedia tools that health care providers can use with their patients:

A 7-minute video featuring patients and clinicians who give firsthand accounts on the importance of asking questions and sharing information—this tool is ideal for a patient waiting room area and can be set to run on a continuous loop.
A new brochure, titled “Be More Involved in Your Health Care: Tips for Patients,” that offers helpful suggestions to follow before, during and after a medical visit.
Notepads to help patients prioritize the top three questions they wish to ask during their medical appointment.
An interactive “Question Builder” tool that enables patients to create, prioritize and print a personalized list of questions based on their health condition.

For more information, go to www.ahrq.gov/questions. To request free copies of the DVD, brochure and notepad, email AHRQpubs@ahrq.hhs.gov or call 800–358–9295 and include the following reference numbers: DVD (AHRQ Pub. No. 10-(12)-0094-DVD); brochure (AHRQ Pub. No. 10(11)-0094-A; notepad (AHRQ Pub. No. 10(11)-0094-1).