FOD 8: Communicating assessment findings and management plans to patients and/or families

Key Features

• This EPA focuses on the application of communication skills and strategies to convey information, engaging the patient and/or family in shared decision-making.
• This EPA also includes teaching the patient and/or family about the diagnosis and management.
• This does not include complex situations such as discussions involving disclosing serious diagnoses, end-of-life decision-making, or suspected child maltreatment.

Assessment plan

Direct observation by supervisor, or Core or TTP resident

Use form 1. Form collects information on:

• Age: neonate; infant; preschool; school age; adolescent
• Setting: inpatient; outpatient; emergency department; community; on call/after hours

Collect 5 observations of achievement

• At least 1 neonate, infant or preschool
• At least 1 school age
• At least 1 adolescent
• At least 2 observations by supervisor
• At least 2 different assessors

CanMEDS milestones

1. COM 1.1 Establish rapport with the patient and family
2. COM 1.6 Tailor the approach to communication to the needs of the patient and/or family
3. COM 1.1 Engage the patient in the discussion as appropriate for their developmental stage
4. COM 3.1 Convey information about medical course and management plan
5. COM 3.1 Use plain language and avoid medical jargon
6. COM 3.1 Use strategies to verify and validate the understanding of the patient and/or family
7. COM 4.3 Use communication skills and strategies that help the patient and/or family make informed decisions
8. COM 4.3 Solicit and answer questions from the patient and/or family
9. COM 4.1 Communicate in a manner that is respectful, non-judgmental and culturally aware