Personal and Professional Health Care Communication

Personal and Professional Health Care Communication

Communication is a skill that everyone should possess, it is learned from a young age and practiced on daily basis, yet it is not a skill which is mastered nor perfected for most individuals. The ways in which we communicate play a part in many aspects of our lives. The role of communication is even more important for individuals who work and function in a health care setting. Clear and concise instructions, as well as an exchange of information, must be provided so that effective communication becomes flawless and serves its purpose to be effective with others. This paper will define health care communication, the importance of effective personal health care communication with other health care professionals, patients and clients, as well as how effective communication plays part in health outcomes by explaining theories and principles of therapeutic communication and how the lack of effective personal and professional communication contributes to undesirable health outcomes.

Health care communication is defined as, "a multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach to reach different audiences and share health-related information with the goal of influencing, engaging and supporting individuals, communities, health professionals, special groups, policy makers and the public to champion, introduce, adopt, or sustain a behavior, practice or policy that will ultimately improve health outcomes" Schiavo (2008). This process occurs in verbal and non-verbal delivery of information, such as body language.

The health care team is a conglomerate made up of patients, family, friends, nurses, doctors, and further axillary members; such as social workers, Physical therapists, Respiratory therapist, and administrative members. When communicating within the team, one needs to realize that each team member plays a specific and unique role. Communication must be focused on the wellbeing of the patient, their treatment and similar goals in order for the outcome to be effective.