MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
And it all is under your control to
modify. One of my teachers emphasized that communication was what
was received, not what was sent and
that the onus is on the practitioner
to be aware of how the communication is being received, and to
check in with the “receiver” if at all
unsure. This frame of reference has
stood me in good stead as I watch
and modify my words and actions
based on close observation of how
the patient or colleague is receiving
my message.
The facts bear out that solid, clear
communications supports better
diagnoses, patient trust and satisfaction, greater understanding, higher
adherence, and improved outcomes.
And I can guarantee that it will
result in happier practitioners. We
need to go beyond blame to conversation on how best to increase the
enjoyment of practising medicine.
I would give my thanks for reminding
me of the importance of this topic
to Dr. Joachim Berndt a member of
the General Practice Psychotherapy
Association to which I belong.
His recent note to the association
reminding us about the importance
of solid communications was particularly timely, given the publication of this interview with Dr.
Martin. I would be grateful to hear
constructive pointers from other
colleagues on the issue of increasing
patient satisfaction and encouraging
positive outcomes.
6
DIALOGUE • Issue 2, 2014
Finally, I am aware that how this
College communicates with you
and the other folks we interact with
(the public, health organizations
and the government) are also of
major importance. Over the last
number of months, for example,
The facts bear out that
solid, clear communications supports better
diagnoses, patient trust
and satisfaction, greater
understanding, higher
adherence, and improved
outcomes.
we had been in discussion with
the government about Bill 117.
The legislation covered a number
of wide-ranging issues, including
provisions that would allow us
increased discretion on handling
complaints. While the Bill did not
pass prior to the Ontario election, I
will continue to communicate with
the Ontario government to explain
the need for such legislation. On
page 19, we update you on our
transparency project. Consultation
with the profession and the public
has been and will continue to be
an essential element of this initiative. The issue is not simple, and
will require lots of thought and
viewing from multiple perspectives.
We can’t do this well without your
input.
I also know it isn’t only what we do
in the public interest that is important, but how we communicate it
to all. We have increased our communication and outreach around
policies and communications and
have noted a more thoughtful and
meaningful response to proposals. I
am grateful for your input on these
important issues. As the College
now has every physician’s email
address, you will receive notices requesting commentary at each stage
of policy development. We are all in
this together, and the conversation
will increase our collegial interaction. I reiterate that I look forward
not only to your comments to the
College, but to your communications to me. I am at mgabel@cpso.
on.ca.
May your summer go brightly.