What patients say, what doctors hear by…

What patients say, what doctors hear (edition 2017)

by Danielle Ofri

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Ethics. Health & Fitness. Medical. Nonfiction. HTML:How refocusing conversations between doctors and their patients can lead to better health Despite modern medicine's infatuation with high-tech gadgetry, the single most powerful diagnostic tool is the doctor-patient conversation, which can uncover the lion's share of illnesses. However, what patients say and what doctors hear are often two vastly different things. Patients, anxious to convey their symptoms, feel an urgency to "make their case" to their doctors. Doctors, under pressure to be efficient, multitask while patients speak and often miss the key elements. Add in stereotypes, unconscious bias, conflicting agendas, and the fear of lawsuits and the risk of misdiagnosis and medical errors multiplies dangerously. Though the gulf between what patients say and what doctors hear is often wide, Dr. Danielle Ofri proves that it doesn't have to be. Through the powerfully resonant human stories that Ofri is celebrated for, she explores the high-stakes world of doctor-patient communication that we all must navigate. Reporting on the latest research studies and interviewing scholars, doctors, and patients, Ofri reveals how better communication can lead to better health for all of us.… (more)

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Member:	jose.pires
Title:	What patients say, what doctors hear
Authors:	Danielle Ofri
Info:	Boston : Beacon Press, [2017]
Collections:	Your library, Wishlist, Currently reading, To read, Read but unowned, Favorites
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What Patients Say, What Doctors Hear by Danielle Ofri

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Showing 1-5 of 26 (next | show all)

This book is all about conversation, a key diagnostic tool whose value is often not appreciated. The medical system revolves around efficiency and quality indicators and tests that have quantitative values attached to them, but it is in open-ended questions and active listening that the real work happens. Dr. Ofri showcases this with examples from her own practice and from others around the world about the power of conversation to save money (not ordering expensive, unnecessary tests), make connections, and even stave off lawsuits in situations of medical error. As always, Dr. Ofri writes movingly and honestly—she is not afraid to hold up events from her own past and examine her biases in order to improve and grow.

I think this book would pair nicely with with Kathryn Mannix’s book Listen: How to Find the Words for Tender Conversations. (

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rabbitprincess | Nov 11, 2021 |

Interesting research on improving patient outcomes/survival rates by improving doctor-patient verbal communication during today's time-constrained 15-minute medical appointment cycle. I appreciated that this experienced physician/author investigates the topic from both sides of the stethoscope and is brave enough to share how shortcomings in her own professional communications have had real consequences for her patients. Something great to read while you're waiting for your next appointment. (

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dele2451 | Oct 15, 2020 |

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

This book is amazing and I can't recommend it enough. If you've ever been frustrated at the doctor's office, here's a glimpse into why. Doctors and patients could both benefit from reading the stories and perspectives shared here. (

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Shadow123 | Sep 2, 2018 |

A book for all patients, doctors, and medical professionals in general. Ofri reviews many studies, done by others and replicated in her own practice, which demonstrate the wide disparity in expectations and results for both doctors and patients. She discusses how each is perceived by the other and gives many examples of how communication, and therefore medical success, can be improved.

The first few chapters are the most rewarding for patients to read, and I've already started changing my approach to appointments to help focus a doctor's attention on what is most important to me. Much of the rest of the book will be of more use to professionals, but even there patients can learn a great deal about what goes into having a good doctor/patient interaction and relationship. There is even a chapter on ways for doctors and hospitals to approach situations which might lead to malpractice suits, therefore enabling them to possibly satisfy patients with less pain for everyone. (

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auntmarge64 | Aug 21, 2017 |

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

I found this to be a very good read and very interesting how important communication is in the doctor/patient relationship. Verbal exchange between patient and physician is vital and is the cornerstone of a correct medical diagnosis. Making assumptions is the worst thing you can do as a doctor and a patient. This book provided several examples of good communication as well as where it may have been improved on both sides. When a physician is empathetic and concerned for the health and welfare of the patient, the patient is more likely to follow the instructions. The role of listening and making yourself clear is not totally the role of the doctor. Often times the patient hides things because they are too embarrassed - illiteracy or abuse comes to mind. Active listening by the physician goes beyond words and they are able to pick up cues to provide better care. "When people talk, listen completely" Ernest Hemingway. (

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berthashaver | Jul 21, 2017 |

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What Patients Say, What Doctors Hear

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What Patients Say, What Doctors Hear

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It was late on a Thursday evening and I already had one foot out of the clinic door when my office phone rang.

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▾Book descriptions

Ethics. Health & Fitness. Medical. Nonfiction. HTML:How refocusing conversations between doctors and their patients can lead to better health
Despite modern medicine's infatuation with high-tech gadgetry, the single most powerful diagnostic tool is the doctor-patient conversation, which can uncover the lion's share of illnesses. However, what patients say and what doctors hear are often two vastly different things.
Patients, anxious to convey their symptoms, feel an urgency to "make their case" to their doctors. Doctors, under pressure to be efficient, multitask while patients speak and often miss the key elements. Add in stereotypes, unconscious bias, conflicting agendas, and the fear of lawsuits and the risk of misdiagnosis and medical errors multiplies dangerously.
Though the gulf between what patients say and what doctors hear is often wide, Dr. Danielle Ofri proves that it doesn't have to be. Through the powerfully resonant human stories that Ofri is celebrated for, she explores the high-stakes world of doctor-patient communication that we all must navigate. Reporting on the latest research studies and interviewing scholars, doctors, and patients, Ofri reveals how better communication can lead to better health for all of us.

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