The Importance of Patient Communication in Healthcare

By Dr. Adam Bitterman

Clear communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for delivering effective care. At the core of this communication is patient understanding—the ability of individuals to comprehend, retain, and act upon the medical information provided to them. Whether it involves a diagnosis, treatment options, or self-care instructions, patients who grasp their health conditions are better equipped to participate in their care, manage their expectations, and achieve better outcomes.

A patient’s health literacy—their ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information—plays a central role in their engagement. In orthopaedics, where conditions and treatments can be complex, low health literacy can easily lead to confusion and poor adherence to treatment recommendations. When patients do not fully understand their diagnosis or what is required of them during recovery, they are more likely to make decisions that hinder rather than help their health.

The consequences of poor patient comprehension are significant. In the United States, nonadherence to prescribed treatments, especially medications, results in approximately $13 billion in avoidable hospitalizations each year. Moreover, over 125,000 deaths annually are linked to failures in following medical guidance. Studies have shown that up to 40 percent of patients either misunderstand, forget, or ignore healthcare advice, and the risk of nonadherence rises dramatically—up to 70 percent—when the care plan involves complex regimens or lifestyle changes.

Effective communication is more than simply delivering information; it is about ensuring that the message is understood. Too often, patients overestimate their understanding, particularly when discussing reasons for surgery or possible alternatives. At the same time, crucial information—such as surgical risks, postoperative care, and follow-up expectations—may be misunderstood or missed entirely.

To bridge this gap, healthcare providers must adopt a patient-centered approach. Using plain language, avoiding jargon, and supplementing verbal explanations with visual aids—like models or imaging—can enhance comprehension. Encouraging questions and inviting family members to appointments can help patients process information more effectively. Repeating key points and asking patients to explain information back in their own words helps confirm understanding and reinforces retention.

Incorporating written materials, such as handouts from trusted sources, allows patients to review important details at their own pace. Additionally, emerging digital tools, including videos and interactive platforms, offer promising ways to engage patients and provide them with accessible, easy-to-understand content. While studies show these tools can reduce hospital stays and improve patient experience, more research is needed to evaluate their long-term impact on patient understanding and outcomes.

Ultimately, understanding is the foundation of compliance. Patients cannot be expected to follow instructions or engage in their care if they do not fully grasp what is being asked of them. By prioritizing communication, healthcare providers can improve patient satisfaction, reduce the risk of complications, and support better clinical outcomes.

As medicine continues to evolve, so too must the ways we communicate with those we care for. A focus on patient comprehension not only strengthens the physician-patient relationship but also helps ensure that patients feel informed, empowered, and ready to participate actively in their healthcare journey.

Adam Bitterman, DO is an orthopedic surgeon in Huntington at Northwell Health, New York's largest health system.