Final answer:
The best way to confirm understanding during a client phone call is through accurate note-taking and sending a follow-up letter. Reading back important points and recording the call with permission can also be effective. Maintaining a research log is helpful for organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way for a practitioner to confirm his or her understanding of a discussion in a telephone conversation with a client is to take accurate notes during the conversation and to send a hard copy of a follow-up letter. Notes should capture major ideas and key statements, using abbreviated language for efficiency. Moreover, practitioners can consider follow-up actions such as reading back important assertions to the client for confirmation during the call, or using electronic means like email for clarity.
To ensure a thorough record of the conversation, practitioners should write out complete information as soon as possible after the conversation, within 24 hours, adding to the notes with other remembered details. If recording the conversation is an option, it is crucial to ask for permission first, keeping in mind that transcription is time-consuming, although it provides a complete record of the conversation. It's also essential to confirm the client's understanding by reading back important notes.
When there's a need to elaborate on complex issues, choosing to meet face-to-face or to have video conferences can also be beneficial. Finally, any communication should be entered into a research log for organizational purposes, as this will help track conversations and facilitate ongoing communication with the client.