In a collaborative quest to define "the optimal patient experience," The Beryl Institute and the American Association for Physician Leadership – independent champions of patients and physicians, respectively – posed open-ended questions to patients and physicians to identify areas of alignment between the two parties – and the existing gaps that should be targeted for improvement. 

What emerged from an array of issues was one dominant thought: Communication between patients and physicians must improve.

This perspective explores not only the barriers that frustrate effective communication between patient and physician, but offers solutions for overcoming communication breakdowns.