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2 Harris County Physician Newsletter %u2022 August 2025 %u2022 www.hcms.org%u2022 Go back to First PagePresident%u2019s PageAll articles that mention HCMS%u2019 stance on state legislation are defined as %u201clegislative advertising,%u201d according to Tex. Gov%u2019t. Code Ann. %u00a7305.027. Executive Vice President Sean Murphy contracts with the printer to publish legislative advertising. Harris County Physician Newsletter (USPS 960-580) is the official monthly publication of Harris County Medical Society, located at 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004-7126, Office 713-524-4267, Fax 713-526-1434, www.hcms.org. Annual subscription price is $20. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, TX POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Harris County Physician Newsletter, 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004-7126.Communication key to regaining patients%u2019 trust Over the past five years, we have seen some encouraging changes in delivering healthcare. These changes have been driven by the need for innovation and resilience in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid adoption of technology has eased numerous administrative burdens and increased patient access using telemedicine. There has been a welcome shift in physician well-being this year, which resulted in an overall decrease in physician burnout, seeing the lowest numbers since 2021. These changes are reshaping healthcare, and organized medicine is at the very heart of these changes. While there has been much change for the positive, there remains a challenge that we must face%u2014regaining the trust of our patients. Although physicians continue to appear in the top ten for honesty and ethics in a recent Gallup poll, there has been a significant decline in trust overall since the pandemic. According to a recent study in JAMA Network Open, %u201c%u2026Trust in physicians and hospitals decreased substantially throughout the pandemic, from 71.5% in April 2020 to 40.1% in January 2024.%u201d The research also indicated that individuals who don%u2019t trust or have less trust in their physicians have a tendency not to get vaccinated or seek treatment when they are sick. When our patients trust us, they are more responsive to our guidance and treatment plans, which can improve their overall health. In the age where the spread of misinformation happens at a rapid pace, it is more important than ever to be a voice heard above the noise. You might wonder what you should do to regain and retain patient trust. It revolves around how we communicate and listen to our patients. Here are a few tips that might help.1.Transparency. Be open and honest with your patients. This includes making it easier for patients to get their medical records. Additionally, they should be included in the decision-making process. We must also be transparent about possible medication side effects, medical errors, and complications.2.Respect their boundaries. Acknowledge and honor patient%u2019s rights to make their own decisions, even if those decisions are against medical advice. This also means respecting their right to privacy. 3.Communicate clearly. When you talk with your patients, avoid jargon, ambiguity, or confusion. Use simple, plain language to ensure your patients understand and can relate to your medical recommendations.4.Educate your patients. Misinformation can be a true hindrance to good health care. It is our responsibility to provide our patients with accurate and science-backed facts to help them make the best decisions for their care. This must be done in a manner that is respectful to the patient.5. Show empathy. Showing empathy to your patients and validating their feelings and experiences helps you understand their perspective, emotions, and challenges. It also means expressing your support, compassion, and encouragement, while acknowledging their strengths and achievements. 6. Follow-up. Check in with your patients after appointments, procedures, or events, and provide them with updates, feedback, or resources. Following up shows that you care about their progress and overall well-being. This can also reinforce the trust they have in you.7. Advocate for your patients. Get involved in organized medicine. HCMS and TMA can help you talk with law makers so you can help them make good policy decisions that will help your patients. It is amazing what one person can accomplish with the backing of organized medicine. With the support of organized medicine, physicians achieved several legislative victories during this year%u2019s Texas legislative session. One key bill restored physicians%u2019 authority to make critical decisions during life-threatening pregnancy complications. Another secured a 72-hour hold on the release of sensitive test results through patient portals, allowing physicians adequate time to review the findings and explain them to their patient before the patient sees them electronically. Additionally, legislation was passed to prohibit using artificial intelligence in making adverse determinations during the prior authorization process. Rebuilding trust takes time, intention, and consistent effort. As we continue to shape the future of healthcare, our ability to connect with patients through transparency, empathy, and advocacy is more important than ever. By being present, informed, and compassionate, we can strengthen the trust in our medical advice that our patients need%u2014and deserve.