What would you do to change your communication style if a patient, or their family, had trouble understanding what you were trying to tell them?

"If a patient and their family didn't understand me, I would explain things in a much simpler manner for them and ask questions so I could effectively gauge their comprehension. We are very fortunate as medical professionals to understand and grasp the complexities of medical issues, but a majority of the general population simply does not. My goal as an Anesthesiologist is to ensure that my patients understand their upcoming procedures and my part in that process."

Talk about how you would ensure that your audience fully understands what you are telling them and how you would adjust the conversation based on the audience. Then, discuss how poor comprehension results in decreased patient outcomes, increased financial ramifications for patients and the healthcare system, and decreased patient satisfaction.