Abstract

Communication of complex medical concepts to patients is a challenge.  Barriers of education, misinformation, language and intelligence often prevent patients from meaningful understanding of their medical conditions and treatment options.  Health professionals must use all the tools available to communicate effectively.  A powerful tool that is often neglected or not used to fullest potential is the medical analogy.  These word pictures or comparisons provide a bridge to comprehension and long term memory.  

Using examples, discussion, and creative exercises, the participant will learn to discern between effective and misleading analogies.  Participants will learn to craft creative analogies to effectively explain complex medical concepts.  The participant will hear and practice analogies that have proven valuable in clinical practice.  Participants are asked to bring their favorite analogies to share with the group.

By the end of the seminar, the participant will:

1.         appreciate the power of the analogy for effective patient education 

2.         judge characteristics of effective and ineffective analogies 

3.         craft creative analogies to effectively explain complex medical concepts