Finding comfort in the discomfort of difficult conversations with military patients

Abstract

Critical gaps in military-specific patient-provider communication present opportunities in medical education to develop new and leverage existing creative frameworks and comprehensive training programs that can enhance learning and meet the diverse needs of providers. Although providers do not need to know how to address every possible difficult conversation, military patients can benefit from providers with communication skills training and the ability to address difficult conversations that are essential to patient health and quality of life. In addition to the impact on patients’ health, patient-centered communication can positively impact the provider’s well-being and continued performance, ultimately helping to improve health care