Brain Chat: Say it More, Say it Better: How to Talk With Your Healthcare Team

Brain Chat with the Nerdy Neurologist is a podcast hosted by Mitzi Joi Williams, MD that brings together clinicians, experts, and people with lived experience to make complex neurologic and health care topics clear, practical, and human. Through patient-centered conversations, the series explores brain health, neurologic conditions, and the challenges patients and families face when navigating the health care system.

In this episode, Williams is joined by Jakai McEwen, DO, a board-certified neurologist and fellowship-trained neuroimmunologist, and Charnetta Colton-Poole, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, author, and communication strategist, to discuss how patients and clinicians can build stronger, more effective communication. The conversation explores common communication breakdowns in health care, the importance of shared decision-making and health literacy, and practical strategies patients can use to make the most of their appointments. Williams, McEwen, and Poole also discuss preparing questions and concerns in advance, speaking up when something is unclear, using patient portals to maintain communication between visits, and advocating for care while preserving a respectful therapeutic relationship.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

• Why communication between patients and clinicians can break down
• Bridging the gap between medical language and patients' lived experiences
• The importance of shared decision-making in neurologic care
• How health literacy can affect understanding and treatment adherence
• Why clinicians should avoid assuming what patients already understand
• How patients can prepare a list of concerns and questions before an appointment
• Staying focused while making sure important concerns are addressed
• Asking clinicians to explain information in a way that makes sense
• Using the teach-back approach to confirm understanding
• Communicating new symptoms, medication concerns, or treatment changes between visits
• Using patient portals and other communication tools effectively
• Advocating for yourself while maintaining a respectful relationship with the health care team
• Questions patients should ask, including "Where do we go from here?" and "What happens if this doesn't work?"
• Why patients should feel comfortable discussing sensitive or difficult symptoms
• The importance of honesty and recognizing that patients and clinicians are working toward the same goal
• Building confidence and communication skills to become a more active participant in health care

Other formats:

Listen to the show on Apple Podcasts.

Watch the episode on YouTube.