Clinical Communication How To Reassure Patients with Ian Cowell
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Jun 29, 2025 
Ian Cowell, a clinician and educator from the Evolve Pain Academy, dives deep into the art of reassurance in healthcare, particularly for those suffering from chronic low back pain. He explores the common pitfalls in clinician-patient communication and emphasizes the significance of tailored reassurance based on patients' specific concerns. Behavioral experiments are highlighted as a powerful tool to help patients navigate their fears. Cowell also discusses the broader implications of cognitive functional therapy and how it can be applied across various musculoskeletal conditions to enhance patient care.
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Reassurance Fails When Not Patient-Centered
- Good reassurance depends on understanding the patient's specific concerns, not just following a scripted message.
- Therapists often give reassurance without checking if the information is relevant or welcome, leading to patient resistance.
Ask Before You Reassure
- Always ask patients explicitly about their concerns before providing reassurance.
- Avoid giving generic information and instead tailor communication to each patient's needs and worries.
Communication Training Needs Improvement
- Communication training for therapists often focuses on what to ask, not how to ask it effectively in the moment.
- Skillful, seamless communication requires ongoing training, mentoring, and experiential learning.