Strategies for improving doctor-patient communication in pain management
Ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling more confused or dismissed than when you walked in?
Or perhaps you’re a healthcare provider, sitting across from a patient with a stack of symptoms and thinking, “Where do I even start?”
You’re not alone. This is one of the most common and frustrating realities for both sides of the healthcare equation. The good news? There is a better way forward. But it might not be what you think.
I recently attended a session at a patient-centred conference that left me absolutely gobsmacked. The advice being offered for patients struggling with doctor conflicts? “Report them to the medical board.”
Let me be clear: negligence, harm, or abuse - absolutely, report that. But what was being discussed wasn’t malpractice. It was a breakdown in communication - misunderstandings, misaligned expectations. And if we respond to those issues with punitive measures instead of fostering collaboration, we risk pushing competent providers further away from the very patients who need them most.
The result?
Patients feel unheard.
Doctors feel under siege.
Complex cases fall through the cracks.
Trust? It’s out the window.
So what can we do instead?
In episode 25 of It’s Not In Your Head podcast, Justine and I dive into real, actionable strategies for both patients and providers to break the cycle. Here are the tips:
How to Navigate Doctor Appointments for Chronic Pain: Essential Tips for Patients
Own Your Care: Create a list of problems. List the things that you have lost or have been taken away because of those problems. Start building a team (Doctors, psychs, PT/Physio’s, friends, family etc). Use your team to sort the problems and take back what you have lost.
Prioritise your Problem List: Prioritise your issues and be clear about what needs attention. Think: “Which specialist should I see for this?” and “What do I need from this consult”
Communicate Strategically: Have a list or timeline of your history for YOU to refer to. Bring along relevant test results. Share what’s helped and what hasn’t—doctors are problem-solvers, not mind readers. And be honest, even if it feels uncomfortable.
How to Improve Doctor-Patient Relationships in Chronic Pain Management: Tips for Providers
Lead with Empathy: Acknowledge the patient’s distress. Simple phrases like “That sounds really frustrating ” can open the door to meaningful dialogue.
Set Clear Structure: Use pre-screening forms and clarify the purpose of this consult—don’t try to address everything at once.
Say “I Don’t Know” When You Don’t Know: It’s okay to admit when something is unclear. This builds trust and shows the patient you’re in this together, exploring solutions.
For Both:
Ditch the Battle Mentality: This isn’t doctor vs. patient. It’s doctor with patient. That’s where true healing happens.
I’ve sat on both sides of this issue - caring deeply for my complex patients, and understanding the feeling of getting it wrong as a provider. What drives me isn’t ego. It’s a commitment to do better - for my patients, for my colleagues, and for a healthcare system that cannot afford to lose trust in the people it is meant to serve.
This podcast isn’t just a conversation - it’s a call to action. For patients to take the wheel with support. For providers to lead with humility. And for everyone to stop assuming bad intent when it’s often just a failing system. Let’s stop pointing fingers. Let’s start building bridges.
You in?
Tune in to this podcast on It’s Not In Your Head, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, our website, or your preferred streaming service. 🎧
🔊 Link to the full episode: https://www.iniyh.com/episodes/ep-25-communicating-better
For clinicians, this episode is an excellent opportunity for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. Improve your communication skills and learn how to build stronger, more empathetic relationships with your patients - ultimately enhancing care and outcomes.