Video: Communication is Key to Ease Worry about Orthopaed...(cal chart) and always direct their body ...),Health

patient.

-- The particular wording of their inquires about concerns

-- Orthopaedic Surgeons should ask: "Is there something else you want

to talk about today."

-- What questions do you have?

The study also notes that it can be valuable for surgeons to be aware of all patient concerns, even those that they cannot help or change. "There are potential therapeutic benefits associated with simply allowing for the expression of these concerns," Hudak says. "Listening to our patients demonstrates a willingness on the part of the surgeon to engage in a dialogue with patients that supports their decision making. Simply offering some empathy and reassurance can go a long way in easing a patient's concerns about surgery."

Co-authors of the study are Wendy Levinson, M.D. and Pamela L Hudak, Ph.D. of St. Michael's Hospital and the University of Toronto; Kristy Armstrong, Masc. of the University of Ottawa; and Clarence Braddock III, M.D., MPH of Stanford University.

Disclosure: In support of their research for or preparation of this work, one or more of the authors received, in any one year, outside funding or grants in excess of $10,000 from the National Institute on Aging (RO1 AGO18781). Neither they nor a member of their immediate families received payments or other benefits or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from a commercial entity. No commercial entity paid or directed, or agreed to pay or direct, any benefits to any research fund, foundation, division, center, clinical practice, or other charitable or nonprofit organization with which the authors, or a member of their immediate families, are affiliated or associated.