Diversifying Dialogue: A Physician’s Primer to Procuring all Points of View

Abstract

As physicians, we are challenged with discussing sensitive topics with patients of all backgrounds, ethnicities, identities, and differing levels of trust. Our discussions are emotional. They are often nuanced and uncomfortable. While the patient-physician relationship is protected by confidentiality, our communication with patients must be conducted with caution to elicit complete, accurate, and honest histories of our patients and their families and caregivers. Oftentimes, the care of a patient requires the complex interaction of multiple specialists, a primary team, and the patient's family in addition to the patient, themselves. This diverse group of people must communicate effectively to provide care to the patient. Oftentimes, the most informed decisions and best care will be accomplished by diversifying dialogue, hearing the voices of all stakeholders in the patient's care with the patient's autonomous decision as the final say following informed consent. This manuscript was prompted to help physicians to facilitate open dialogue, to critique and appraise diverse opinions kindly and curiously, and to provide all necessary information to the patient while truly listening and understanding the patient's wishes to achieve the best of patient-centered care.