In a Blink

Health care providers often overestimate their ability to communicate effectively at the patient's level of understanding. This can put compliance, safety, and outcomes at risk. That's why Dr. Michael S. Woods wrote In a Blink. It's the only resource you'll need to raise awareness, improve assessment, and help you adapt within seconds to the patient's communication needs. Use the practical advice in Dr. Woods' book to apply the 3As of effective communication, as you: * Increase your awareness of the patient based on his or her gender, ethnicity, religious, cultural, and socioeconomic background * Rapidly assess what information you should share, based on these characteristics. This is known as "thin slicing," and your ability to thin-slice assess determines whether you will succeed or fail as a communicator * Immediately adapt your communication style to the situation, so you provide just the right amount of details for the individual to make an informed decision * Save time, end frustrations, and ensure a quality outcome Communicating effectively seems simple but isn't. It requires effort and practice. Using the straightforward principles in Dr. Woods' book, you can improve your communication skills and learn more about your patients' needs.