Importance Of Well-Integrated Communication In Health Care

Health care is an industry where no one works independently. Each job function requires input from staff members, therefore its vital that a well-integrated communication process is implemented. A couple of key reasons why this is essential for health care organizations (1) to improve patient’s satisfaction and (2) reduce medical errors. An article on communication states “Integrated communication is a concept that makes sure that all the communication forms and the messages are interrelated and work together in harmony” (Grigorescu & Lupu, 2015). Patient satisfaction and minimal to no medical errors will determine the success of the organization. Two communication approaches used at my local pediatric practice is one chart documentation where
the physician inputs the data into the computer, which allows the nurse to order labs, submit prescriptions and schedule follow up appointment. As for communicating with patient’s appointment reminder is mailed out and we also get an appointment reminder phone call.
In today’s society, the U.S. health care system must be culturally competent to operate efficiently. Health care organization must be able to interact will individual from diverse backgrounds in order to deliver optimal care. The Journal of Cultural Diversity states that “Culture refers to integrated patterns of learned core values, beliefs, norms, behaviors and customs that are shared and transmitted by a specific group of people” (Watters, Bergstrom & Sandefer, 2016). Organizations that are not versed in this area will (1) have a high level of patient dissatisfaction and (2) patient’s increase of distrust for the health care professional. Cultural competence is just as vital as the medical care, consequently organizations must have an established policy to ensure that they are meeting all the patient’s needs.