Communications expert Melissa Le Mesurier has spent 30 years advising CEOs and boards on communication, having worked for some of the world’s largest companies and brands.
But it wasn’t until her son was born with cystic fibrosis 26 years ago, and then when she was diagnosed with bladder cancer five years ago, that she was struck by how the communication challenges faced by business leaders were very similar to those faced by medical experts.
And for any patient diagnosed with a life-threatening condition such as cancer, there is a desperate need for clear information and trusted guidance from their clinical team.
The need for this has never been more critical. As seen throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, trust in science and evidence-based medicine is falling and Dr Google and social media ‘influencers’ are swaying patients’ treatment decisions.
Melissa is now on a mission to counter this and bridge the doctor-patient communication divide one conversation at a time.
Her soon-to-be-published book, Patient Power, aims to help newly diagnosed patients source credible information, understand medical jargon and ask the right questions when they consult their doctor.
She is also using her experience and expertise, backed by research, to help clinicians improve their communication skills. She will outline how to use the power of language and listening to better support patients, and ultimately empower them to feel confident in the agreed treatment path.
Her key message is that good communication is the foundation of improving patient-centred care, which leads to better clinical outcomes and a better experience for patients and clinicians alike.