About This Graphic
This infographic shows seven tips for effective patient presentations and is part of the Posters and Abstracts section of the Presentation Skills Toolkit for Medical Students. Each of the seven tips includes a heading for the tip followed by a brief description and an illustration.
Quick Tips for Effective Patient Presentations:
Know expectations.
There is an illustration of binoculars. The text reads, "Preferences for presentations can vary between specialties and attendings in terms of length and style."
Be concise.
An illustration shows three sheets of paper entering a box with arrows pointing down. Below that a single piece of paper enters a funnel. The text reads, "Succinctly convey the most essential patient information in a logical way to tell the patient's story."
Synthesize information.
An illustration shows an eight-pointed star with a circle at each point. There is an outline of a person in four of the circles. The text reads, "Present organized, accurate information that highlights the points you think are most relevant."
Engage your listeners.
An illustration shows two overlapping rectangles with lines leading to three circles, each of which contains the outline of a person. The text reads, "Deliver your presentation in an organized, clear, and professional manner with good eye contact."
Be mindful of your audience.
An illustration shows the outline of a person with waves next to their ears, suggesting sound. There are eight smaller outlines of person surrounding the person. The text reads, "Adjust accordingly for different settings, including bedside presentations."
Keep it patient-centered.
An illustration shows two open hands reaching upward holding a human brain. The text reads, "Advocate for your patient using language that is kind, empathetic, and non-judgmental. Know your biases and work to counteract them."
Practice.
An illustration shows five medical professionals standing in a row. Four of them wear lab coats, and one wears scrubs. The text reads, "Take every opportunity to present patients and practice before you present to your team."