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A pathologist’s main objectives in writing a pathology report are to communicate the diagnosis and create a permanent record.¹ The entire purpose of specimen procurement and pathology consultation may be defeated if the pathology report is inaccurate, incomplete, difficult to read, or difficult to understand.²

While the number of people getting vaccinations for their children is relatively stable,¹ some parents and guardians are hesitant about or refuse vaccines, or they want to depart from the recommended schedule. Researchers have identified seven primary reasons for this:^2,3,4

Complicated family dynamics are often on full display in family practice and pediatric offices. Situations involving divorced or separated parents who disagree about their child’s treatment are a typical reason that insured physicians contact the NORCAL Risk Management department for advice. Sometimes the issue is about access to medical records. And, on occasion, a clinical problem is not at the forefront, but the parents are involving their children’s physicians in the family’s difficulties.

Adolescent privacy laws vary in significant ways from state to state and may conflict with federal laws.¹ In addition to minor consent laws, clinicians treating adolescent patients should be familiar with state and federal medical information privacy laws as they relate to adolescent healthcare and should develop clear policies and protocols for appropriately protecting this confidential information.

Although clinical experience develops many skills, physicians benefit from external input for improving communication skills.^1,2 Physicians can use the following techniques and training resources to improve their communication with patients and demonstrate empathy.