Did I Hear You Right? How to Ensure Bi-Directional HCP–Patient Communication

This symposium, which took place during the 2025 European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Congress, aimed to explore the underlying psychology of patient and healthcare professional (HCP) expectations of medical consultations, which can undermine bi-directional communication. Practical guidance was presented regarding how to act on these expectations to improve HCP–patient communication, and objective, real-world evidence of the therapeutic benefits of improved HCP–patient communication were discussed. Hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare, genetic condition characterised by acute attacks of swelling, was used throughout the symposium as an example of a chronic condition whereby expectations exist for HCPs and patients regarding medical consultations, and how bi-directional communication can be optimised.