Identifying barriers and solutions to effective communication between patients and healthcare providers was the topic of CCM’s community forum presented on March 12 in Woodstock, VT. In a presentation to community members and healthcare professionals, CCM founders Dr. Bernard Bandman and Celia Engel Bandman cited studies that show how avoiding discussion of difficult medical subjects—such as prognoses, benefits and risks of treatment options, and quality of life considerations—can result in unnecessary suffering and regrets, particularly for patients facing chronic and incurable illnesses. CCM’s Difficult Conversations Workbook was introduced as a guide to help patients better understand their issues and concerns in preparing to communicate with healthcare providers and loved ones about planning care. The program was supported by the Ottauquechee Health Foundation and Norman Williams Public Library.
