Essay On Effective Communication Between Patients And Health Care

Effective communication between patients and health care providers is crucial to quality health care and patient satisfaction (Markova & Broome, 2007). In order to be a good communicator, you must first be a good listener. Effective communication has more to do with listening than any other thing. Paying attention to a person 's needs as they are being communicated, is one of the most important way to make sure your care and information is relevant and helpful for them in their current state. Secondly, the quality of information exchanged during an assessment is essential in establishing a good rapport with the patient and is neccessary in making an accurate assessment of their condition considering all aspects both …show more content…
The realization that many people may be ashamed to acknowledge that they have trouble understanding health-related information and terminology yet won 't ask for needed help is immense. According to the National Institute of Health, health literacy is a major risk factor for poor health knowledge, behavior, and potential outcome for many patients (nih.gov.) Breaking information down and using easier to understand terms can alleviate some of this, allowing communication to help improve patient decision making and outcomes dramatically. Markova and Broome (2007) state a unified, patient-centered team approach is also needed; treating each patient as an individual. Creating a plan that helps ensure that decisions and care are respectful of an individual patients ' needs and preferences using their input and informed medical advice allows them to participate in their care. Another health care "team" approach to decreasing communication problems is eliminating collaborative miscommunication where it primarily occurs; often involving during the "end of shift" …show more content…
Using a standardized communication format like SBAR (an acronym for situation, background, assessment, and recommendation) is one way that my facility is using a unified approach to communication. It 's a standardized means for communicating in patient care situations and is very effective in bridging differences in communication styles and helps to get all team members on the same page. It also recognizes the expertise of nurses and other care providers and encourages nurses to assertively make recommendations to physicians in providing care. Team huddles and multidisciplinary rounds are also recommended so that all providers from pharmacy to CNAs are aware of the treatment plan (Dingley et