The Importance of Communication in Healthcare
Communication is crucial in the workplace. In particular, effective communication skills are extremely important in the healthcare sector. Mainly because they help to build and maintain strong relationships between both healthcare professionals, their colleagues, service users and visitors.
A variety of studies support that teamwork and communication skills are critical components of a safe healthcare system, and it’s clear to see why. There are many situations where healthcare professionals must have clear communication skills, such as:
- Explaining a diagnosis, condition or treatment,
- Discussing treatment options and the next steps forward after the initial explanation,
- Speaking or potentially calming down family members,
- Communicating results and discussing with other healthcare professionals.
The Impact of Communication in Healthcare
Research indicates that there are strong positive relationships between a healthcare team member’s communication skills and a patients ability to follow through with medical advice. A healthcare professional’s ability to explain, listen and empathise can all have an effect on patient satisfaction and experience of care.
Patient’s perceptions of the quality of the healthcare they receive are highly dependent on the quality of their interactions with healthcare professionals. There is a vast amount of research that supports the benefits of effective communication and health outcomes for patients as well as healthcare teams.
The connection between a service user and their healthcare provider can ultimately improve their health through increased participation in their care, adherence to treatment, and patient self-management.
Tips for Improving Communication Skills
- Always be honest with your patient. If you are unable to complete what you had promised them, let them know and give them an explanation as to why it was not possible or possibly why it was not ideal for them.
- Be available and responsive. Service users and their families can become quite upset and frustrated is they feel they are not being heard. In high emotion situations, this can often lead to difficult conversations and a tension between yourself, your patient and their family.
- Encourage an open environment. Allow service users, visitors and colleagues to feel comfortable enough to share doubts and concerns with those involved in the situation.
IKON Training are Communication Specialists and can advise you on any questions you may have about this article. If you need any information regarding our communication courses, don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01473 722 924 or alternatively info@ikontraining.co.uk
Published Friday, October 20th, 2017
Categories: Ikon Protect
