Physician-older patient communication during the transition from independence to dependence
Nussbaum, J.F.
Journal of the Oklahoma State Medical Association 91(9): 504-508
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0030-1876 PMID: 9864957 Document Number: 493442
This article reviews recent research regarding the communication between physicians and their older patients who are passing from independence to dependence. Major findings from these studies are summarized with a discussion of how the context of the medical encounter, the physical, cognitive and language changes related to age, the amount of time permitted for a medical encounter, the managed care environment, and the presence of a companion can affect competent communication between a physician and an older adult. The article concludes with a comment about the need to educate current and future physicians on the complexity of communicating effectively with older patients.