Different priorities

The New York Times had an article this week about a paper in the Journal of General Internal Medicine examining what is sometimes a great disparity between physicians and patients: medical priorities. Physicians and patients often have different priorities for medical encounters, as well as different priorities for care of chronic conditions. The article is concrete evidence of the many anecdotes of failed patient-physician encounters. Physicians are failing to communicate with patients about the broader implications of symptoms and illnesses. Patients are failing to communicate their concerns and the reasons for their concerns. There is no easy answer to this dilemma, other than increased listening. But we all know, that is no simple task - for doctors or for patients.