Do pediatricians think they don’t have time to teach families?

A national, random sample of 1605 nonretired, American Academy of Pediatrics members were surveyed in 2007 about health literacy and patient communication.

The study concluded:  ”Pediatricians are aware of health literacy–related problems and the need for good communication with families but struggle with time demands to implement these skills.  Despite awareness of communication-related errors in patient care, pediatricians report underutilizing enhanced techniques known to improve communication.”

Turner, T., Cull, W. L., Bayldon, B., Klass, P., Sanders, L. M., Frintner, M. P., et al. (2009). Pediatricians and health literacy: descriptive results from a national survey. Pediatrics, 124 Suppl 3, S299-305.

Do you know a pediatrician who is underutilizing enhanced techniques known to improve communication?  If so, please refer that physician to No Time to Teach: The Essence of Patient and Family Education for Health Care Providers.  It is a short, direct, practical summary of the evidence on how to provide the most effective and efficient patient education.