TrendsMD : Answers for health care's digital trends

Brian Dittmar of TMLT and special guest Brian Jackson, Executive Director of the Texas Alliance for Patient Access (TAPA) discuss bills affecting Texas physicians that were introduced, passed, or defeated in the recently concluded 89thTexas Legislature.

Join us this season for a conversation with Shana Merlin, an Austin-based professional communication trainer specializing in medical communications. We’ll explore how improvisational techniques can be used by physicians to enhance conversations and relationships with patients, colleagues, and staff members. (33:59)

In this series “extra,” trainer Shana Merlin describes how to use “signposting” techniques in your face-to-face communications to help patients and colleagues more clearly understand your meaning and overall messaging. (4:33)

In episode three of this series, trainer Shana Merlin discusses how to improve patient interactions using improvisational techniques to build rapport, help patients understand diagnoses and treatment goals, and break the “curse of knowledge” so that your communications are clear and user-friendly. (45:12)

In the second episode of this series, Shana Merlin discusses how to deal with difficult patients, including how to set boundaries, reflect positive intent, and use such improv techniques as “blending.” (33:48