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Effective Communication In Healthcare

Decent Essays

Angelina Tejeda
Professor Ramlall
HLSC 208
October 23, 2016

The Role of Communication in Healthcare

Communication is “the act or process of using words, sounds, signs or behaviors to express or exchange information; or to express your ideas, thoughts feelings, etc., to someone else” (Merriam-Webster). Ineffective communication can result in negative effects in the operations of a Healthcare organization. This paper sets out to explore all aspects of communication and the hurdles that affect it. Whether in the workplace or in life, individuals can not perform adequately without communicating. The intent of an efficient exchange of information is mutual understanding. Communication involves four principal components: initiation, transmission, …show more content…

Workers are currently overworked, clouding their command of communication skills. Patients are allotted ten to fifteen minutes per appointment. This is not enough time for a patient and physician to have a significant dialogue, especially for those with chronic or multiple illnesses. Much disapproval has been aimed toward health care providers, for their lack of interpersonal communication skills. For patients, time constraints only serve to add to the anxiety, which comes from having to see a doctor. Even the most assertive and highly educated patients are leaving healthcare offices more confused, and feeling overridden by their health professionals. They are holding back concerns and opinions that could impact their care. The majority of malpractice suits are caused by patient-physician communication. Medical professionals are seeing vast improvements, by expanding their communication skills through training sessions with psychiatrists. Susan McDaniel, PhD, a professor of psychiatry and family medicine, has been teaching communication skills to physicians for the majority her career. Investing more time in improving communication, will only benefit an …show more content…

Keeping in mind to analyze everything from workload pressure, the written and verbal skills of employees, and electronic health records system. Consistent teamwork training can successfully fight the effects of miscommunication. Business writing classes can also help staff sharpen their skills. Also enrolling in a speech class, will give staff members an extra advantage when it comes to communicating. Another way hospitals have improved communication is by role playing, giving staff a chance to hone in on their weaknesses and correct them. In some cases, direct observation occurs, by department chairs. Healthcare organizations must regularly monitor means of communication utilized, and compare the benefits and effectiveness of each. The ineffective means can be discontinued, and those resources can then be reallocated. It is also imperative to keep electronic health records systems up to date, to ensure it is running optimally. Organizations must not forget to engage employees. An employee who feels connected to the overall success of the organization, will actively support any improvement

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