[New prospects in physician-patient communication: role of the animated model].
Today information technology and multimediality play a key role in the field of medicine and only recently have been used to improve the doctor-patient relationship. The authors propose the use of induction movies also in this field improving communication between doctor and patient especially when handling surgical operations and complex procedures. These movies give detailed information to patients showing images and explaining in a simple way surgery, therapy and innovative procedures helping the patients to cope with surgery and therapy reducing anxiety and worry. This innovative method was also used successfully for the training of students helping them to understand important issues.


METHODS
An induction movie on CD regarding two different surgical techniques was shown to 20 patients (7 females and 13 males, average age 50.8), 20 doctors and 20 students.


RESULTS
Doctors and patients appreciated this new communication method enabling doctors to better communicate with patients and patients to better understand operation procedures. Worry for operation was reduced and compliance before and after surgery was increased. As to the notion point of view students understood quicker and easier.


CONCLUSIONS
This method is innovative and enables technical information to reach patients, doctors and students faster. Images are kept in mind easier and help patients to evaluate the pros and cons of surgery reducing worry. There was more communication between doctors and patients improving therefore their relationship and at the same time reducing communication barriers.
Università Campus Bio medico, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Dipartimento per la Ricerca didattica (DIE), Cattedra di Ortopedia, Roma.
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Denaro
D003142:Communication; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009040:Motion Pictures; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations