Includes bibliographical references (p. 439-462) and index.

Health communications and quality care -- Principles of human communication -- The nature of therapeutic communications -- Cultural similarities and differences and communication -- The pervasive role of confirmation and empathy -- Communications that contribute to trust and mistrust of the providers -- The art and skillful use of questions -- Therapeutic use of silence and pauses -- The impact and limitations of self-disclosure -- The proper placement of advisement -- Reflections and interpretations -- The judicious use of confrontations, orders, and commands -- Communicating with patients with low literacy -- Communicating with patients with chronic and/or life-threatening illness -- Communicating with patients in crisis -- Communicating effectively with patients displaying significant negative or resistive coping responses -- Communications within and across healthcare provider groups -- Conflict in the healthcare system: understanding communications and resolving dispute -- Family dynamics and communications with patients' significant others -- The privileged nature of patient and provider communications: the issue of patients' rights -- The privileged nature of patient and provider communications: issues of confidentiality, anonymity, and privacy -- Health communications to enhance behavioral change -- Internet use and communications of patients and providers -- Altering systems of care to enhance healthcare communications.