The community education series GOOD COMMUNICATION IS GOOD MEDICINE uses films and study guides to explore the patient’s experience of illness and the effect it has on families, friends and medical practitioners. Illness is part of the human condition. It doesn’t just happen to patients. Each caregiver, personal and professional, has their own experience that is both separate from and connected to the person who is the patient. This is particularly relevant in light of research that has found patients’ tendency to conceal their distress stems from the need to protect family and friends and to avoid the doctor’s disapproval. In effect, there can be a collusion between doctors, patients, and even family and friends in communicating about the difficulties in living with illness. 1  The perspectives of all within the sphere of illness need to be understood for informed decision making to occur.  Effective communication plays a key role in addressing healthcare needs and concerns during the course of illness.

The community programs have a format in which the CCM films introduce the topic followed by a panel discussion and interactive audience participation. The panel includes those who live within the sphere of illness—patients, families, friends, doctors, psychologists, clergy and medical humanist. A moderator facilitates the program. Such topics as expectations of doctors, the impact of illness on one’s sense of self and their relationships with others, spirituality and illness and the definition of hope have been presented at community forums. The objective of the programs are to have the attendees gain a deeper understanding of the impact of illness on patients, families, friends and medical practitioners; develop a better understanding of the role of communication in medical decision making; and be able to identify and access resources needed to cope with illness.

The CCM films and study guide materials are produced so that they can be presented to community groups with a facilitator or viewed in the privacy of one’s home.

1Byrne A, Ellershaw J, Holcombe C, et al Patients experience of cancer: evidence of the role of “fighting” in collusive clinical communication. Patient Educ Couns 2002; 48:15-21.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Targeting elderly groups as they represent most of the patients in care. They [elderly] want to be good patients and do what the doctor says, but often without full understanding. They don’t understand the modern terms, and even when told, they ‘yes’ a doctor to death but they still don’t understand. This population of patients is less likely to ask questions.
S.R.

The program was supportive of mind and spirit, which is equally as important as the physical and medical needs. The forum is a good way to reach out to the community.
M.K.

The physicians, clergy and patient’s perspectives were all well addressed.
M.D.

The physician takes a lot for granted. They assume you know and patients don’t speak up out of fear of looking foolish. The program fills a need in this community—it’s a good thing.
D.B.

The forum was extremely interesting. I was a bit disillusioned that it was only about cancer. It would be wonderful if it were more across the board [universal to all medical conditions/illnesses]
M.L.