Effective Communication In Health Care

Effective Communication for Success in Healthcare
HCA/230

Effective communication in the healthcare field can only be achieved by successfully building interpersonal relationship with physicians, staff, and patients. In order to achieve the highest standard of care, effective communication needs to be implemented in all levels of management, to patient care, and billing. Not only will successful interpersonal relationships build a prosperous business but, it will also obtain the highest level of care for patients seeking treatment, which is the ultimate goal in the healthcare field. Effective communication is a core value in the health care industry. It can help us better understand one another or situation, it enables us to resolve
any differences, builds trust and respect, and can create environments where creative ideas, problem solving, affection, and caring can flourish. Providing quality interpersonal relationships in a healthcare setting can comfort a patient, bring familiarity to a stressful situation, and ensure the patient that they are receiving the up most care and consideration. When working in the health care field it is important to understand the essential needs of patients and how you can support them. Most times when individuals are seeking healthcare it is during a time of stress when they are at the most vulnerable, approaching situations with the common goal of integrity to every individual can lead to successful care for patients. As many have experienced, walking into an office you can get the general vibe of how employees conduct business and work with each other.
This is a form of communication that in order to be effective needs to be examined. A supportive climate of communication has description, problem orientation, spontaneity, empathy, equality, and provisonalism. “Description refers to the messages that explain your feelings, reactions, and your needs to others. Problem orientation refers to a point of view you share with another that indicates “we” may have a problem, and we can find a solution. Spontaneity is a genuine, natural way of communicating with honesty and openness. Empathy conveys respect, understanding, and acceptance to another; it involves the ability to put you in another’s place. Equality shares a sense of value and mutual respect regardless of power, status, or position. Provisionalism refers to open-minded view and ideas, trying new behaviors, and seeking new solutions” (Cheesebro, O'Connor, & Rios, 2013. The "Physician News Digest "(2013) website states, ineffective communication often reduces the accuracy of clinicians diagnosis. By not listening to the patient and their story it significantly reduces the chances of effective treatment plan and deprives the diagnosis from facts. If a physician can utilize effective communication skills, the patient will become an educated participant in treatment, thereby increasing the likelihood of
compliance. If the communication process is a defensive one containing evaluation, control, strategy, neutrality, superiority, and certainty staff and patients can become closed off, unsure and less confident in their treatment and outcome plan (Cheesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, 2013). If management and staff communicate defensively than a productive outcome is less likely to be achieved. The ability to be assertive is key in developing a supportive style of communication. Assertive communication allows you to share information openly, honestly, and respectfully while allowing others to do the same (Cheesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, 2013). Cheesebro, O’Connor and Rios (2013) also states that interpersonal approach builds trust, helps prevent conflicts, and enables you and the person with whom you are communicating with to get important needs met. It is extremely important in the healthcare field to convey an assertive style of communication to better assist the patient and their requests. It is also effective for management to exercise an assertive style when dealing with staff and health care employees to ensure proper understanding of situations and job duties that are required. When looking into a mirror of my own communication style I tend to sway in the balance of being reasonably assertive in some areas but considerably less in others.
For example, although I might feel fairly comfortable expressing my honest opinions to a close friend or family member, I refrain from voicing my views in a group setting, especially if I know others will disagree (Cheesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, 2013). My level of assertiveness in communication can be a good balance but, also prevent me from voicing concern during conflict or issues that may arise with certain situations. To examine your own level of assertiveness and decide what type of communicator you are, Cheesebro, O’Connor, & Rios, (2013) have produced a few questions to consider. Ask yourself, can you say “no” to others without feeling guilty? Can you admit your own mistakes without feeling guilty? Do you speak up confidently in group settings? Or, can you state your beliefs even when the majority disagrees with you? By evaluating your responses to these questions you can than begin to better understand how the delivery of your messages are being interpreted and
received. Effective interpersonal relationships in the healthcare field provide the patient with faith and comfort through their treatment process. When one takes a job in the field of healthcare you are taking on the responsibility to care for, respect, and uphold the highest standards of care for individuals seeking treatment. Effective communication is the core concept for patient and physician interaction, when we stop and truly listen to each other we can then begin a healing process that will last a lifetime. Not only will you provide successful care, but you will begin to build a high functioning prosperous business that will continue to treat, diagnosis, and facilitate individuals in their time of need.

Reference
Cheesebro, T., O'Connor, L., & Rios, F. (2010). Communicating in the workplace. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Prentice Hall.
Physician News Digest. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.physiciansnews.com/law/201.html