5 Essential Strategies for Explaining Functional Lab Results to Patients

Introduction

Effectively communicating Functional Medicine test results is crucial for patient understanding, compliance, and outcomes. This guide provides five evidence-based strategies to help practitioners translate complex biomarker patterns into actionable information that patients can understand and implement.

Strategy 1: Layer Information Strategically

The Challenge: Patients become overwhelmed by technical details and complex patterns.

The Solution: Present information in progressive layers, starting with the most impactful findings first.

Implementation:

1. Begin with 1-2 key patterns most relevant to their symptoms
2. Explain each pattern's significance before moving to the next
3. Match technical depth to the patient's health literacy level

Example Script:
"Let's focus on what's most important in your results first. The main pattern we're seeing involves inflammation, which directly connects to your joint pain and fatigue. Once we cover this, we can explore how it connects to your other symptoms and additional patterns if you'd like more detail."

Strategy 2: Use Visual Frameworks

The Challenge: Abstract biomarker relationships are difficult for patients to conceptualize.

The Solution: Use the Blood Test Results Report in the Functional Health Report to make pattern recognition intuitive.

Implementation:

1. The Blood Test Results report uses Traffic Light color-coding for optimal ranges (green/yellow/red zones).
2. Our graphical charts of biomarker results show relationships between biomarkers.
3. Our Functional Health Report uses body system illustrations to show where dysfunction is occurring.

Example Script:
"On this chart, you can see your Hs-CRP, an inflammatory biomarker, is in the yellow cautionary zone—not yet in the clinical red zone where conventional medicine would intervene, but not in the optimal green zone either. These markers here [pointing] directly influence these symptoms you've been experiencing."

Strategy 3: Verify Understanding with Teach-Back

The Challenge: Patients typically retain only 50% of what providers explain.

The Solution: Implement the teach-back method, which research shows can improve retention by up to 80%.

Implementation:

1. Ask patients to explain key concepts in their own words
2. Identify and correct misunderstandings immediately
3. Verify comprehension of the most critical action items

Example Script:
"To make sure I've explained this clearly, could you tell me in your own words what you understand about how these inflammatory markers relate to your symptoms? And what would be the first steps in our plan to address them?"

Strategy 4: Connect Biomarkers to Symptoms and Solutions

The Challenge: Patients struggle to see the relevance of abstract numbers to their daily experience.

The Solution: Explicitly connect each significant biomarker pattern to symptoms and specific interventions.

Implementation:

1. Create clear "pattern → symptom → intervention" explanations
2. Use "this means that..." statements to translate clinical findings
3. Connect each intervention directly to the biomarker it addresses

Example Script:
"Your elevated cortisol in the morning but depleted levels in the afternoon means your body is having trouble regulating stress hormones. This directly explains why you feel anxious in the mornings but crash with fatigue around 2pm. The adaptogenic herbs in your protocol specifically support this pattern by helping normalize this cortisol rhythm."

Strategy 5: Provide Structured Take-Home Materials

The Challenge: Patients forget or confuse details after leaving the consultation.

The Solution: Create personalized take-home materials that reinforce key information.

Implementation:

1. Use the Functional Health Report to show key patterns, implications, and action steps
2. The FHR includes visual representations matching what was shown in consultation
3. Show them how the Out of Optimal Range Report provides background information as to why a biomarker is above or below the optimal.

Example Script:
"I've prepared the Functional Health Report we just went over in PDF format for you to refer to later. It clearly outlines the three key patterns we discussed today. Each section shows the relevant biomarkers, how they relate to the dysfunctions we outlined, why a biomarker might be above or below the optimal range, and the specific interventions we recommend. Let's review this together before you leave to make sure everything is clear."

Bonus Tip: Address Emotional Reactions First

Remember that abnormal lab results can trigger emotional responses including anxiety, skepticism, or confusion. Before diving into technical explanations, acknowledge and validate the patient's feelings.

Example Script:
"I notice these results seem concerning to you. Many patients feel that way when first seeing their blood results shown in this way. It's important to remember that identifying these patterns early gives us a chance to address them before they progress to more serious conditions. Would it help to start by talking about which findings are most worrying to you?"

Conclusion

Effective communication about Functional Blood Test results isn't just about conveying information—it's about creating understanding that motivates action. By implementing these five strategies, you can dramatically improve how patients comprehend, remember, and act on their functional test results.

Want to Learn More?

OPTIMAL DX MEMBERS CLICK HERE for more detailed information and additional strategies in our comprehensive article "How to Explain Functional Lab Results to Patients: Communication Strategies."