Written by physicians skilled at coaching colleagues in physician-patient communication, this pocket guide presents practical strategies for handling a wide variety of difficult patient interviews. Each chapter presents a hypothetical scenario, describes effective communication techniques for each phase of the interaction, and identifies pitfalls to avoid. The presentation includes examples of physician-patient dialogue, illustrations showing body language, and key references. This edition includes new chapters on caring for physician-patients, communicating with colleagues, disclosing unexpected outcomes and medical errors, shared decision making and informed consent, and teaching communication skills. Other new chapters describe clinical attitudes such as patience, curiosity, and hope. FEATURES: Drs. Platt and Gordon are practicing internists with clinical and academic careers in doctor-patient communication. They are members of the American Academy on Physician and Patient (AAPP), and the Bayer Institute For Health Care Communication Chapters are organized around topics identified by AAPP members as important and problematic Includes personal expertise of authors Each chapter follows a consistent format: Problem, Principles, Procedure, Pitfalls, and Pearls. (5 P's) NEW TO THIS EDITION: This edition includes new chapters on caring for physician-patients, communicating with colleagues, disclosing unexpected outcomes and medical errors, shared decision making and informed consent, and teaching communication skills. The topics address skills found in the core ACGME competencies of interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and patient care, and is cited in the ACGME resource toolbox The book has short, pithy chapters written for busy residents and practitioners, with updated refer ences and new chapters on teaching and coaching communication skills