The Mumbo Jumbo Fix: A Survival Guide for Effective Doctor-Patient-Nurse Communication

Michael J. Grace

Nov 2021 · Universal-Publishers

About this ebook

The Mumbo Jumbo Fix: A Survival Guide for Effective Doctor-Patient-Nurse Communication tackles the vital subject of healthcare miscommunication which is a leading cause of patient harm. It is the first book of its kind geared to all three essential participants--doctors, nurses, AND patients. Written by a medical malpractice trial attorney, hospital risk manager, and healthcare educator, its unique holistic approach provides real-world practical solutions in a concise, easy-to-read, and entertaining format. No other book in the field has been written by someone with equivalent “boots on the ground” experience. And the author’s original cartoons are sure to bring a smile to every reader’s face.

The Mumbo Jumbo Fix contains up-to-date content including telemedicine during the national emergency, greetings in the time of pandemic, communication training for healthcare staff, patient preparation for the office visit and hospital stay, provider interaction with families, and talking to the transgender population. Written in plain English without linguistic mumbo jumbo, the book’s true stories and evidence-based suggestions offer the needed healthcare communication fix. 

REVIEWS and WORDS OF PRAISE

The Mumbo Jumbo Fix hits a home run! [An E]xcellent book by an eminently qualified author who has lived it. Easy to read, organized with many valuable insights and vignettes…. Patients who read this book will end up improving their chances of the best outcome the profession offers.

---Dominick Addario, MD, Psychiatrist, Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Distinguished Life Fellow, American Psychiatric Association, Health Sciences Clinical Professor, University of California San Diego

Easy to read, and systematic approach to maximizing on first principles of communication in healthcare, and more broadly…. The book does not take itself too seriously, with a smattering of cartoons thrown in to make the subject light-hearted, but relevant and relatable. I highly recommend this book to all physicians, nurses, and others who support them.

---Javed Siddiqi, HBSc, MD, DPhil (Oxon), FRCSC, FACS, FAANS, Neurosurgeon, Chief of Neurosurgery, ARMC, RUHS, RCH & DRMC, Professor & Chair, Dept of Surgery, California University of Science & Medicine, Founding Journal Editor, Contemporary Reviews in Neurology & Neurosurgery, President Elect, California Association of Neurological Surgeons

The Mumbo Jumbo Fix is a long overdue resource for healthcare professionals, patients, and families. This book presents communication strategies in a clear and often humorous format…. Medical and nursing programs should include this book as a required text for improved communications skills.

---Elsa L. Murdoch, DNP, MSN, RN, CPHRM, Assistant Professor, RN-BSN Program Director, Azusa Pacific University

Who better to see the many problems of doctor-patient-nurse communication than an experienced medical malpractice attorney? Mike Grace has seen and heard it all. The Mumbo Jumbo Fix is loaded with entertaining and revealing stories of miscommunication between doctors and nurses and between both and patients.... It is a must read for both health professionals in training and those with experience.,br> --Joseph E. Scherger, MD, MPH, Family Practice Physician, Primary Care 365 Physician Core Faculty, Family Medicine Residency Program, Eisenhower Medical Center, Clinical, Professor of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California

An absolute must read for anyone who wants to improve communication and patient relationships. A comprehensive communication guide. Even the most seasoned healthcare professional will benefit from reading this book.

--Nicholas Wade, BSN, MPH, CEAS, Public Health Nurse, West Bay Area Director of Employee Health Service & Workers Compensation, Sutter Health

The book was very worthwhile, easy to read, concise, and entertaining which holds all healthcare workers’ attention. I appreciated the cartoons… I found myself smiling or laughing aloud at times. This book’s subject has a role in the education of medical students and all healthcare workers. --Lori J. Beck, DNP, Nurse Practitioner, Indiana University Health

[V]ery eloquently written.... [W]itty comical illustrations....[A]n easy read that can be read in one sitting or multiple sittings because you can pick right back up where you left off....

--Karen Seessengood, MSN, RN, CNOR, CST/CSFA, Nurse Perioperative Educator, Founder, Seessengood Perioperative Education and Consulting, Princeton, IN, Staff RN/ Perioperative Educator, Surgery Department, Logansport Memorial Hospital

Ratings and reviews

As a patient advocate I know how incredibly important it is that accurate information channels remain consistently reliable and open between patients, doctors, nurses, and a patient’s entire care team. Most medical errors today are caused by the inaccurate flow of information and the ever-decreasing number of medical staff available to treat patients. In his book, Mike Grace’s easy to read observations, suggestions, and real-life stories of patients in need of timely care is a welcome resource in today’s world of legitimate frustration with America’s health care system. Patients and their loved ones need to be proactive to ensure timely, correct diagnoses and plans of care. Mike Grace’s pointers serve as extra insurance to secure medical communication channels remain open, thorough, and accurate.

About the author

Mike is a licensed attorney and is designated by the American Hospital Association as a certified professional in healthcare risk management. He was a founding partner of Grace Hollis LLC, a San Diego based law firm, where he specialized in the defense of healthcare providers. After twenty years as the firm’s lead trial attorney, he “retired” to pursue a new chapter in life as the Risk Manager and Patient Safety Officer at Desert Regional Medical Center, a large Southern California hospital. Currently he teaches communication and law to nurses in the University of California, Riverside’s extension program.