Question

1. write a paper that identifies the types of communication that are used in healthcare (oral, written, etc)

2. Discuss the importance of effective communication in healthcare

3. Determine the characteristics of the successful and unsuccessful communication

4. What are the common barriers in healthcare communications - remember, as an informaticist not everyone is going to understand your terminology write 4-5 pages with your references

Answer 1

Communication is the ability to send or receive message.

1. Types of communication used in healthcare: Basically there are two types of communication which includes verbal and non verbal communication. Verbal communication includes oral and written communication. This type of communication mainly used during explainning about care to the patient and to obtain informed consent from the patient. This type of communication also used by the patient to explain their problems and feelings inorder to take decision about care. This is also used by health care workers while changing the shift inorder to hand over duty to other staffs.

Nonverbal communication includes communication by gestures, posture, facial expression, touch, body language, eye contact, silence, personal appearance, symbols. Eg, assessing pain score by facial expressions, providing therapeutic touch to the patient, using signs boards in hospitals et.,

2. Importance of effective communication in healthcare:

With patients:

It helps patients feel at ease- Good communication is necessary to alleviate patients anxiety and improve their confidence.

It helps patients to feel in control- Good communication helps to reduce the feelings like helpless and hopeless.

It makes patients feel valued- when we are spending time with the patient to them we are showing that how much we are valuing them.

With colleagues:

Improve unity and team work

Enhance patient care

3. Charecteristics of successful communication

Proper use of type of communication- health care workers should select the appropriate type which may be verbal or nonverbal.

Proper use of communication strategies like listening, focusing and asking doubts for clarification

Proper use of modes of communication- health care workers should use appropriate language

Charecteristics of unsuccessful communication

Ineffective use of communication types

Ineffective use of communication strategies

Ineffective use of modes of communication

4. Common barriers in healthcare communication:

Language- people speaking different languages will seek treatment from hospitals. Health care workers should be efficient to communicate with them inordin to provide proper care.

Cultural barriers- people speaking same languages may differ in cultural background. Health care workers has to learn to provide culturally competent care.

Health literacy barriers- knowledge regarding health will be poor among people living in specific area.

Psychological barriers- psychological factors like stress, anxiety and depression will affect the communication. Eg., Mentally ill patients, patients admitted in hospital for long time.