Communication skills are essential to medical practice, though these skills are often acquired through trial and error or observation of one’s peers and supervising physicians. National organizations representing a broad cross section of subspecialties are calling for improved patient-physician communication in the context of serious and life-limiting illnesses. Poor communication is linked to physician burnout, increased risk of malpractice suits, and patient dissatisfaction. When clinicians communicate effectively, patients retain more information and have more trust, improved outcomes, and a better quality of life. Extensive research shows that physicians often feel uncomfortable having difficult conversations, and that communication skills can be improved through education. While there are nuances to the use of clinician-patient communication frameworks, the general concepts are consistent: Provide clear information, recognize and respond to emotion, elicit patient values, and provide patient-specific medical recommendations based on their values. When provided with a defined structure for approaching difficult conversations, evidence shows that most physicians immediately feel more confident and are eager to learn more. When experienced clinicians can recognize and identify the skills they use to communicate effectively with patients, this in turn enhances the learning environment for peers and trainees.

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