Tag Archives: health

Seniors With DVT Can Lead A Healthy Wholesome Life

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Although experts put the chances of developing DVT at one in every 1000, certain genetic factors and demographics can greatly increase your risk - including your age. Seniors patients have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing DVT, and although the consequences can be long term or sometimes fatal, it is treatable.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that as many as 900,000 Americans are living with DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). The medical condition is the cause of death for 60,000-100,000 people each year. For countless more, it results in long term complications such as swelling or pain. In some cases, DVT increases the risk of heart attacks. Although experts put the chances of developing DVT at one in every 1000, certain genetic factors and demographics can greatly increase your risk – including your age. Seniors patients have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing DVT, and although the consequences can be long term or sometimes fatal, it is treatable. 

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis?

The American Venous Forum defines Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) as a condition where you develop a blood clot in the deep veins of your leg. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the blood clots normally form in your leg veins, and the condition can also affect deep vein in other parts of your body on some rare occasions. With the formation of a blood clot, blood circulation between the leg and heart is hampered. This can produce a list of long term complications. Most patients that have DVT are also at risk of developing pulmonary embolism (PE), which is where the clot travels through the bloodstream to the heart or lungs. Around 10 percent of those with DVT develop a pulmonary embolism. 

Are Seniors More Likely To Be Diagnosed?

It has been reported that the cumulative likelihood of developing DVT lies between 2 and 5 percent. Younger people do present a reduced chance of developing the medical condition. This is because age and a sedentary lifestyle (both factors that are synonymous with a senior lifestyle) are two of the leading causes of DVT. There have also been some claims that the increased risk of DVT as you age is attributed to the fact that your blood is more likely to clot as you get older.

However, age is not the only factor that can increase your risk of being diagnosed with DVT. Sitting or standing for long periods can also contribute, according to the Center for Disease Control. This is why they recommend taking breaks and walking around every 2-3 hours if you are on a long car or plane journey. With many seniors leading an inactive lifestyle, the link between the two is clear. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)’s report showed that Americans spend 6.4 hours sitting each day, placing them at a growing risk of obesity, heart disease and DVT. Interestingly obesity is also one of the known factors causing DVT, since it can create additional strain on your body and your veins. In 2019, a staggering 28.5 percent of seniors aged 65 and older were classed as being obese in America.

How Do I Know I May Have DVT?

The symptoms of DVT may not show up immediately, and sometimes they do not appear at all unless a complication presents itself. Still, a majority of cases report a few common signs, including swelling of the leg accompanied by pain, tenderness and cramping. You may also find that the pain increases when bending the affected foot, or that there is a resulting redness/ skin discoloration.

What Can I Do If I Do Have DVT?

If you do suspect you have DVT or find yourself in any of the risk categories mentioned above, it is best to speak to your doctor right away. Medically, DVT can be treated using blood thinners or clot busters. This helps to keep the blood clot in place and in some cases, dissolve it. Most doctors recommend DVT patients wear diabetic socks or compression stockings to prevent blood pooling in the leg or growth of the clot. This is something you can easily incorporate into your nightly routine at home, along with regular leg circulation exercises. 

For seniors, this may take the form of simply moving around more by walking, swimming, yoga or trying other senior-friendly exercises. You also want to skip or limit your alcohol intake if you are living with DVT. Alcohol can reduce the effect of some anticoagulants. It is also recommended that you check the interaction of your blood thinners with any other medication you may be taking, including ibuprofen. Seniors aged 65-69 take an average of 15 prescriptions per year, while seniors aged 80-84 take 18 a year, according to the American Association of Consultant Pharmacists. Therefore, this point is crucial for seniors living with DVT. 

Lastly, try to incorporate a DVT friendly diet into your eating habits, including the avoidance of fried or fatty foods, processed foods and large portion sizes. While DVT is a very real issue for the aging population in the US, with early detection and great management habits, there is no reason why you cannot go on to live a happy, healthy life.

Author Credit: Allie Oliver

For more whole health discussions like this, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama available on iHeartRadio.

Join the conversation. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow NIWH on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates filled with useful health advocacy program information for holistic nurses and health coaches.

Your Immune System

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immune system

Truly one of the most amazing examples of inter-cooperative, biochemical engineering imaginable! The immune system – our own personal National Guard and Marine Corps – rolled into one. It is always vigilant – 24/7 – to keep us from harm or invasion by foreign enemies – microbes that want to grow and flourish in our internal environment.

One of the fun things about teaching for the past 30 years is watching the reactions of learners as they “get” what their immune system really is – that great “aha” moment when the dots get connected and it all makes sense. This is when we start to have a different relationship with our body and a new respect for how awesome, amazing and comprehensive the immune system is!

When most of us think “immune system” we think tonsils, spleen, lymph nodes (glands in our arm pits, throat and groin) and of course our white blood cells. These body parts certainly are members of the immune elite. If you check with the encyclopedia or on Google, you are likely to find these wonderful entities under the definition of immune system.

However, when we look at this amazing system from a Whole Person Health perspective, this short list of parts becomes a much longer one, indeed. There are dozens of white blood cells and related specialized immune cells that do a phenomenal job of playing “Pac-Man” with the unwanted microbes in our blood stream, tissues and organs. Every organ in our body has an immunological role to play from the liver, which detoxifies, to the stomach which contains hydrochloric acid to kill bacteria and microbes coming in through the mouth, up to and including our nostril hairs that trap unwanted foreign particles before they can irritate our airways.

In fact, there is no part of our body that isn’t part of our immune system. The largest “part” of our immune system is our skin which is responsible for protecting our insides from outside entities and vice versa. As the skin is the number one rated beauty or sexual attraction in both men and women around the world, (anthropological research by Margaret Mead and others) we can easily see that to have beautiful skin is a reflection of a healthy immune system and a strong indicator of a healthy productive system.

For more whole health discussions like this, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama available on iHeartRadio.

A Brief Guide To Nourishing Your Immune System

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By Georgianna Donadio, MSc, DC, PhD-

A Brief Guide To Nourishing Your Immune System

Maintaining a healthy immune system is simple, yet in our enormously complex and hurried environment it becomes complicated to live a simple life and stay healthy. This is an important perspective to wrap ourselves around especially regarding our lifestyle choices and how we take care of our health – which is in the main, our immune system.

The National Institute of Whole Health offers this short guide to immune hygiene. To maintain good health and avoid disease, follow these steps.

  • Remember that everything that goes into your body impacts your immune function and immune health.
  • Eat more plant-based, living, nutritious food to support a healthy body.
  • Your thoughts creates proteins that communicate those specific thoughts to your immune cell membranes, so be mindful of your thinking.
  • Chronic stress and adrenal gland function suppress your bone marrow and immune system functions. Find more ways to relax more often.
  • Laughter and joy strengthen immune function by increasing serotonin. Maintain good humor.
  • Clean air and water are basic essentials to a healthy immune system.
  • Compassion and caring increase Immunoglobulin-A, an immuno-protein. Be Kind.
  • Exercise pumps 10,000 white blood cells through the lymph glands, cleansing and detoxifying the “little garbage cans” of the body. Be active for at least 20 minutes every day.
  • Cleanliness and sanitation prevent immune assaults by micro-organisms. Wash your hands frequently.
  • Loving and being loved increases positive immune responses and secretions. Nurture supportive relationships.
  • Purposeful living reduces stress and balances the nervous system. Find your purpose.
  • Eliminating debt enhances longevity through immune system integrity. Use smart budgeting practices.
  • Remember that everything is connected to everything else in your life – especially your immune function. So be kind to your body .

Follow these simple, intuitive and common sense guidelines to preserve and protect the system that protects you. This a great way to stay healthy in any environment.

You may also enjoy this article on Digestion and The Incredible Ways It Affects Your Whole Health!

Join the conversation. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow NIWH on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates filled with useful health advocacy program information for holistic nurses and health coaches.

Going On Vacation? Protect Your Health

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vacation

As winter fades into spring, a lot of people decide to take a vacation. Often referred to as spring break, this is a time when when millions of people “take to the skies and roads,” visiting friends and relatives or exploring new locations. It’s a time of fun and relaxation, but there’s a hidden danger you might not know about. Approximately 5% those who get off of airplanes, buses, trains or auto transport will develop blood clots, often not detected until many weeks after their trip.

As American health care consumers, we know in today’s environment that we must be pro-active and take control of our health through education and prevention. Staying healthy while traveling is one very important preventative situation that we can all be more aware of in order to circumvent an unwanted health crisis.

Three years ago, the World Health Organization published the WRIGHT report (WHO Research Into Global Hazards of Travel). It identified the extent of the problem and who was at risk. The report identified the population most at risk are females over 40 years of age with a prior history of deep vein thrombosis.

Others at risk include older travelers, obese travelers, pregnant women, anyone with varicose veins or a prior history of venous thrombosis, women taking birth control pills or estrogen, travelers with a history of a major operation, cancer, heart failure, highly trained athletes, and those with recent surgery or injury.

In spite of the evidence explored, however, there are still airlines in denial over the problem as many fear increased litigation. One major US airline has a published statement on its websites as a response to concerned travels that reads: “There is no epidemiological evidence that air travel causes blood clots.”

However, published experts would re-word that statement.  It would be more accurate to say that “Every credible scientific study of the subject has found that air travel [and other forms of confined travel] cause blood clots, including all of the most recent, large-scale, sophisticated studies.”

What can you do to prevent blood clots?

  1. Do not be immobile for more than 1 hour when traveling by air or in confined transportation
  2. Dress in loose-fitting clothes and shoes. No socks or garments should have banded constriction.
  3. Stay well hydrated, but avoid alcohol.
  4. Exercise your legs and feet every chance you can (e.g. every 20 minutes).
  5. Consider fitted compression stockings–compression of 20 mmHg or more is best.
  6. Take an aspirin. It is not a guarantee that taking aspirin will avoid, it does prevents platelet clumping, which causes clots. If you are at risk, it seems reasonable to take aspirin daily, starting a day before departure and continuing for a day after the flight terminates.
  7. Sit in an aisle seat. You will have more room, and it is easier to stand up and move around the plane, bus, or train.

For more information search for “blood clots and travel”. There is an enormous amount of information on the subject. If you are getting ready for that big trip, obtaining this information should be part of your “packing” process.

Join the conversation. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow NIWH on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates filled with useful health coach certification information.

Creating a Natural Immunity to HPV

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On August 19, 2009, the Journal of the American Medical Association published an article that evaluated the safety of Gardasil, a vaccine that targets the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, HPV (FDA.gov, 2009). The article explores 12,424 reports of adverse reactions, many of which were considered serious. What does this mean for those seeking to make an informed decision?

These adverse reactions suggest the vaccine, currently directed primarily for use by young women aged 12 – 19,  not only may cause serious side effects, but has been fatal. In addition, some states are working to make these immunizations mandatory for all school aged females 12 and older.

As the mother of a teenage girl, I know the concern that this vaccine has caused for many of us and wish to share information with you about natural immunity to HPV, that may be helpful for you and your daughter. For those considering the vaccine, this may be important information for you to be aware of.

Here is a quote from from the National Cancer Institute regarding HPV – “Infection with certain types of HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer. Almost all women will have an HPV infection at some point, but very few will develop cervical cancer. The immune system  of most women will usually suppress or eliminate HPVs. Only HPV infections that are persistent (do not go away over many years) can lead to cervical cancer.”

HPV infections have increased over the past 20 years in much younger females as a result of earlier and multiple-partnered intercourse, coupled with the lack of competent birth control, as well as inadequate nutritional status of the female. This data can help shape recommendations for health coaches and whole health advocates. As a result of the increase in such infections, the HPV immunization was developed and, as the TV commercials attest, marketed to the mothers of very young females.

Here are excerpts from Judicial Watch regarding the vaccine reactions:

> “Information has been received … concerning a 17 year old female who in June 2007 … was vaccinated with a first dose of Gardasil … During the evening of the same day, the patient was found unconscious (lifeless) by the mother. Resuscitation was performed by the emergency physician but was unsuccessful. The patient subsequently died.”

> “Information has been received … concerning a 12 year old female with a history of aortic and mitral valve insufficiency … who on 01-MAR-2007 was vaccinated IM into the left arm with a first does of Gardasil … On 01-MAR-2007 the patient presented to the ED with ventricular tachycardia and died.”

> “Initial and follow-up information has been received from a physician concerning an ‘otherwise healthy’ 13 year old female who was vaccinated with her first and second doses of Gardasil. Subsequently, the patient experienced … paralysis from the chest down, lesions of the optic nerve…At the time of the report, the patient had not recovered.”

The natural way to immunize against HPV, in both teenagers and the general female population, is to postpone engagement with multiple sexual partners, consistent use of condoms as a 70% protection against the virus, and maintaining a healthy nutritional diet through whole foods and nutrition supplementation. Hopefully, this information can help you discern more about the use of HPV vaccination.

For more whole health discussions like this, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama available on iHeartRadio.

What’s The Biggest Problem In Healthcare Today?

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During the National HealthPolicy Conference held in Washington, D.C., members of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Policy agreed that there is an urgent need for research focusing on the doctor-patient relationship. This is the key to addressing  the current crisis of patient dissatisfaction, medical-error, malpractice claims, and physician burnout.  Clearly, there is a need for improved communication throughout the healthcare system.

The Problem:

Patients are not happy, doctors and medical teams are not happy, and the health care system is struggling to adapt measures to turn the tide of this growing problem. The Institute for HealthCare Communication (IHC) report regarding poor doctor-patient communication revealed the following:

  • Research conducted during the 10 year period of 1995-2005 demonstrated that ineffective team communication was the root cause for nearly 66 percent of all medical errors.
  • When healthcare team members do not communicate effectively, patient care often suffers.
  • Medical error vulnerability is increased when healthcare team members are under stress, in high-task situations, or not communicating clearly or effectively.

The research from the IHC reports cites that 50% of all malpractice is the result of poor communication between doctor and patient.

The IHC report states: “Research evidence indicates that there are strong positive relationships between a healthcare team member’s communication skills and a patient’s capacity to follow through with medical recommendations, self-manage a chronic medical condition, and adopt preventive health behaviors. Studies conducted during the past three decades show that the clinician’s ability to explain, listen and empathize can have a profound effect on biological and functional health outcomes as well as patient satisfaction and experience of care.”

It continues toward an alarming statement: “Extensive research has shown that no matter how knowledgeable a clinician might be, if he or she is not able to open good communication with the patient, he or she may be of no help.”

Solutions

While the addition of nurse health coaches and our health advocate program have been viewed by some as a solution to the communication problem, the relationship between the physician or primary care provider and the patient cannot be corrected by these additional team members. In fact, not addressing the underlying cause of doctor-patient discomfort may even increase the distrust and discomfort the patient experiences with their doctor or primary care provider.

As physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and health advocacy program members are the diagnostic experts in our medical care system, ensuring the communication between these providers and their patients is critical.

A pilot study, conducted through Central Michigan University (CMU) on the effects of a communication model, Behavior Engagement with Pure Presence, on patient and physician satisfaction has just concluded. The study was funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan.

The Primary Investigator (P.I.) of this study, Dr. Christine Clipper, wanted to test the Behavioral Engagement model by including renowned endocrinologist Dr. Opada Alzohaili, who was trained in the model’s communication skills and previously earned high patient satisfaction survey ratings. Dr. Alzohaili’s post-pilot patient satisfaction scores were significant, revealing 100% improvement on all measures of patient perception of relational empathy duringtheir encounter with the doctor, in contrast to his pre-pilot patient satisfaction scores.

Dr. Clipper’s research data demonstrated that Behavioral Engagement with Pure Presence has “…a psychological effect on the patient’s perception of the patient-provider relationship. The patient perception of relational empathy with their doctor increased through improved provider communication skills through applying the Behavioral Engagement model.”

For more whole health discussions like this, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama available on iHeartRadio.

What Is Stress And Where Does It Come From?

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What Exactly Is Stress And Where Does It Come From?

A statement by the well-known mind/body physician, Herb Benson, M.D. says that 60-90% of all visits to the doctor’s office are due to stress. We all hear about stress, experience stress, but what exactly is stress? Most of us think of stress as the emotional conflicts we experience in our daily lives, but our emotions are just one category or one type of “event” explored in health coach certification that can cause us to experience stress.

In order for us to survive in our ever-changing environments, our bodies are designed to adapt and it does so through a series of biochemical reactions. These chemical reactions are natural and necessary, but they are the wear and tear of living that we call stress.

Here’s an example I like to share in our whole health program because it gives a clear vision of this principle. When I was living in New York City, I drove my little stick shift through the stop and go traffic. Imagine the wear and tear (stress) on the clutch.

There are many events that might cause similar stress to our bodies. Some may surprise you.

  • Weather
  • Excess Exertion (such as too much exercise or lack of sleep)
  • Trauma or Injuries
  • Allergies and Immune Insults
  • Infections
  • Reproduction Related Events (monthly cycle, pregnancy, childbirth, nursing, etc.)

While the common nature of these events does not sound encouraging, there is some good news. If we have a stress response that is short term, like when the phone rings and the nurse tells you that your child had been vomiting, our bodies do just fine.

It is the prolonged stress, like anticipating for two whole weeks a root canal or that pesky “annual office evaluation.” That does us in! In our whole health education programs, students learn that this extended stress affects our digestive system, immune system, cardiovascular and even reproductive systems. Couple this with poor eating habits or insufficient sleep, and we are not happy campers.

While excessive or chronic stress is definitely not good for our health, we need stress adaptation for survival, so it is actually a very good thing. How this adaptation takes place is by way of specialized hormones from our adrenal glands, located in our kidneys. They change our heart rate, blood pressure, lung capacity, and a host of other functions, for our survival. However, these hormones, if secreted too much or too often can suppress our immune, digestive and reproductive systems and even damage our cardiovascular system. Chronic stress is one very large reason why some of us have fertility problems.

So how can we make friends with stress? The answer is good old moderation. Remember being told “all things in moderation leads to a healthy body.” It is true. We do not have to learn to do anything exotic to reduce stress, we just need to balance our lives and avoid excess.

Nevertheless, there is the rub, given modern life. We are all excessing more and more and moderating less. This is part of the reason why health coach certification is essential. For a great book on this subject, check out Why Zebras Don’t Have Ulcers by Dr. Robert Sapolsky. It is a very witty and informative book.

Laugher, as we know, is “our best medicine.” It is also a great stress reducer.

Join the conversation. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow NIWH on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates filled with useful health coach certification information for holistic nurses and health advocates.

What’s Keeping Veterans From Seeking The Mental Health Care They Need?

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Too many veterans today have unaddressed mental health issues; according to studies, almost a third of all service-persons who have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan have from a mental health condition. Left untreated, these illnesses could lead to violence, addiction, and suicide; statistics show that veterans are more than twice as likely to die by suicide compared to their civilian peers. With these numbers, it’s clear that not enough is being done to help our veterans. So, where are we falling short?

Closing The Access Gap

Some mental health issues develop, or are aggravated, due to a lack of access to healthcare. Veterans have reported difficulties making appointments, as well as finding transportation to the doctor. And when physical ailments aren’t treated immediately, these could lead to mental health issues.

Tinnitus, for instance, is the most common disability among veterans, even surpassing PTSD. Characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears, tinnitus can lead to issues like anxiety and depression if left untreated. One 2015 study found that 70 percent of veterans with tinnitus had anxiety, while 59.3 percent had depression, and 58.2 percent had both. Chronic pain also affects more than half of veterans and has been linked to depression and PTSD.

Thankfully, the VA has also implemented new rules in June 2019 to make healthcare more accessible. Previously, veterans who had to travel 40 miles or more to get to a VA health care facility were allowed to use a private health care provider. But now, veterans who live 30 minutes away from a VA clinic will be able to choose private care. By listening to veterans and focusing on improving overall health, the VA can help combat mental health issues faster.

The Battle Against Shame And Stigma

Studies reveal that only half of returning vets who need mental health treatment get these services. Today, more than half of those who need mental health care don’t even know that they need it. We need more whole health advocates to bridge this gap.

Some veterans also believe that therapy may not work, or that talking about the trauma will make them feel even worse. Many more veterans may choose not to get help because of social factors, such as embarrassment and the fear of being seen as weak. Even though getting professional treatment is nothing to be ashamed about, there’s still a lot of stigma around mental health issues.

The Department of Defense has recognized this and is taking steps to eliminate stigma, such as no longer requiring servicemen to report having sought out mental health treatment for combat-related issues. More high-ranking personnel are also coming forward to share their experiences with PTSD, and what kind of treatment helped. When more veterans and active servicemen become transparent about their illnesses, this doesn’t just help destigmatize mental health issues, but also raises awareness. Though changing people’s perceptions about mental health care is an uphill battle, raising awareness is a powerful way to help veterans get on the road to recovery.

How To Support Veterans’ Mental Health

The support of the community is crucial to helping veterans recover. Veterans’ families, especially, should educate themselves on mental health issues that frequently affect veterans. Many experts agree that encouragement from their families can also help veterans overcome some common barriers to treatment, such as fear and shame. 

Most people in the armed forces understand how important it is to take care of their bodies, but sometimes neglect the mental aspect of their health. If you are a veteran experiencing mental health problems, or if you think that a veteran family member may benefit from mental health treatment, seek help. Call Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK). This is a 24/7 toll-free, confidential hotline manned by mental health professionals. You may also text VA at #838255, or chat online with a counselor at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net.

Author Credit: Allie Oliver

Join the conversation. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to follow NIWH on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates filled with useful accredited health program information for holistic nurses and health coaches.

Digestive Function and Nutrition

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Digestion and Health

The single most reported complaints in all hospital emergency rooms are related to digestive system disorders. The Digestive system is the most “stress affected” system in the human body and a big topic in our accredited health program. According to the October,  Drug Topics News Magazine for Pharmacists, American’s spent 5 billion dollars last year on over the counter digestive or “stomach” remedies, with an expected 40% increase over the next year.

Wouldn’t it be helpful to understand and educate others on how and why they are suffering from digestive ailments?

We all know people who eat organic, natural food and are meticulous about the quality and quantity of what they put in their body and are sick, tired, plagued with health issues. Then there are others who eat anything and everything, the good, the bad and the ugly and have energy to burn, not a pimple on their entire body and feel great.

Often, what this is the result of the function and efficiency of their individual nervous systems. Those who have an active “sympathetic” nervous system, with the tenth cranial nerve reeking havoc with their alimentary canal, they are the folks that no matter what they eat and how, pure, clean and how much organic foods they consume – they just don’t do well and feel unwell much of the time.

For the individual with a well tuned central nervous system the digestive system can be a culinary playground that accepts all types of nutrients and food stuffs and produces ample nutrition without up set or illness.

What makes one nervous system different from another, one person’s experience different from another? It has more to do with the unconscious personality of an individual than any other single factor, with the exception of the rare congenital or pathological occurrence.

The area we will discuss in future NIWH accredited health program blogs regarding the digestive system will be it’s intimate relationship with other systems including the immune system, reproductive, circulatory and endocrine systems and what can be done to improve the overall health of the digestive system.

For more whole health discussions, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama. Also available on iHeartRadio.

How Essential Is Doctor-Patient Communication To Whole Health?

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Nurse-Patient Communication
At the National Health Policy Conference held in Washington, D.C., members of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Policy agreed that the need for research focusing on the doctor-patient relationship was urgent in order to address the current crisis of patient dissatisfaction, medical-error, malpractice claims and physician burnout. Communication between the patient and all practitioners, health coaches, nurses, or  caregivers is thus an essential component of any whole health approach.

Patients are not happy, doctors and medical teams are not happy, and the health care system is struggling to adapt measures to turn the tide of this growing problem. The 2012 Institute for HealthCare Communication (IHC) report regarding research on the impact of poor communication revealed the following:

  • Research conducted during the 10 year period of 1995-2005 has demonstrated that ineffective team communication is the root cause for nearly 66 percent of all medical errors during that period.
  • This means that when healthcare team members do not communicate effectively, patient care often suffers.
  • Further, medical error vulnerability is increased when healthcare team members are under stress, are in high-task situations, and when they are not communicating clearly or effectively.

The research from the IHC reports cites that 50% of all malpractice is the result of poor communication between doctor and patient.

The IHC report states: “Research evidence indicates that there are strong positive relationships between a healthcare team member’s communication skills and a patient’s capacity to follow through with medical recommendations, self-manage a chronic medical condition, and adopt preventive health behaviors. Studies conducted during the past three decades show that the clinician’s ability to explain, listen and empathize can have a profound effect on biological and functional health outcomes as well as patient satisfaction and experience of care.”

IHC goes on to make an alarming statement that “Extensive research has shown that no matter how knowledgeable a clinician might be, if he or she is not able to open good communication with the patient, he or she may be of no help.”

And, while the addition of nurse health coaches to the medical team has been viewed by some as a solution to the communication problem, the relationship between the physician or primary care provider and the patient cannot be corrected by these additional team members. In fact, not addressing the underlying cause of doctor-patient discomfort may even increase the distrust and discomfort the patient experiences with their doctor or primary care provider.

As physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are the diagnostic experts in our medical care system, ensuring the communication between these providers and their patients is critical, as research data demonstrates.

A recent pilot study, conducted through Central Michigan University (CMU), on the effects of a communication model, Behavior Engagement with Pure Presence, on patient and physician satisfaction has just concluded, and will be published shortly. The study was funded by Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation of Michigan.

The Primary Investigator (P.I.) of this study, Dr. Christine Clipper, wanted to thoroughly test the Behavioral Engagement model by including renowned endocrinologist, Dr. Opada Alzohaili, who was trained in the model’s communication skills and had previously earned high patient satisfaction survey ratings. Dr. Alzohaili’s post-pilot patient satisfaction scores were significant, revealing 100% improvement on all measures of patient perception of relational empathy during their encounter with the doctor, in contrast to his pre-pilot patient satisfaction scores.

Dr. Clipper’s research data demonstrated that Behavioral Engagement with Pure Presence has “…a psychological effect on the patient’s perception of the patient-provider relationship. The patient perception of relational empathy with their doctor increased through improved provider communication skills through applying the Behavioral Engagement model.”

Further research on the application of the model includes a pilot study on the Behavioral Engagement model in Electronic Medical Record Communication, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/ MI Dept. of Community Health;
and a randomized controlled clinical trial study with funding from major national health care organizations.

For more whole health discussions, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama. Also available on iHeartRadio.