The value of tailored communication for person-centred outcomes

Rationale When entering a consulting room a person becomes a patient with double needs, that is, the need to feel known and understood and the need to know and understand, also referred to as affective and instrumental needs, respectively. The fulfilment of these needs highly depends on the communication skills of both doctor and patient, which help to bridge the inherent distance that exists between these two persons. There is ample evidence that this bridge becomes stronger the more the communication is tailored to the person behind the patient. Besides, such tailored communication may also prove to be effective for reaching favourable health outcomes. Methods Descriptive study focusing on the value of tailored communication in promoting person-centred instrumental and affective health outcomes. Results Research shows that tailored communication contributes to health outcomes known to be crucial for recovery and quality of life, that is, information recall, medication adherence, reassurance and need fulfilment. Conclusion There is empirical evidence for the value of tailored communication for person-centred outcomes. Communicating in a purposeful way while at the same time respecting patients' values and feelings should therefore become the standard in health care practice.