What should healthcare workers do to enhance patient understanding of procedures?

Spending additional time explaining procedures to patients is essential for enhancing their understanding and promotes quality care. When healthcare workers take the time to clearly articulate the details of a procedure—including its purpose, how it will be performed, potential risks, and benefits—they empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. This approach fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider, encouraging patients to engage more actively in their care.

Effective communication not only improves understanding but also can alleviate patient anxiety, ensuring they feel more comfortable and confident about what to expect. When patients have a clearer understanding of their procedures, it can lead to better adherence to treatment plans and improved health outcomes.

Other options, such as using complex medical language or relying solely on written instructions, can create barriers to understanding, while avoiding patient questions neglects an important aspect of patient-centered care, which emphasizes open dialogue and patient engagement.