Trevor Torres, Student, Patient, “Diabetes Evangelist”
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Learning Objectives: At the end of this activity, you will be able to:
Discuss the different perspectives providers and patients bring to their interactions.
Recognize the value of opening up a dialogue with a patient.
Recognize the importance of a first visit from a patient’s point of view.
Description: We first met Trevor Torres a couple years ago when he told us why he’d recommended Type 1 diabetes. Now, after he’s started presenting on the patient perspective to national audiences, Trevor is back with some new wisdom about how patients and providers can communicate effectively.
In his tell-it-like-it-is style, Trevor shares a few reasons why patients and providers sometimes struggle to “bridge the empathy gap,” and explains what both sides can do to build more meaningful connections.
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think first impressions can be especially challenging for patients and providers?
- Why do you think patients and providers can struggle to be true partners in health care?
- Do you have any tips on how a provider can help open up a meaningful dialogue with a patient?
- Do you have any tips on how a patient can help open up a meaningful dialogue with a provider?
- Can you recall a great connection you had with a provider when you were a patient? What about a great connection you had with a patient when you were a provider? What made the relationship(s) effective and comfortable?
