September 01, 2021

The Importance of E!ective Communication

Skills in Healthcare
James Wilshiere 11550 Users

Communication is a skill that every healthcare professional needs. However,

not everyone is naturally good at it. Generally, healthcare professionals have
to interact with many people every day. In addition, they often belong to
diverse groups of educational, cultural and social backgrounds. So, are you
looking for ways to develop your communication skills in healthcare? Then you
:
 looking for ways to develop your communication skills in healthcare? Then you
have reached just the right place!

Here is a guide for you that can help you to improve communication skills in
healthcare. This guide will help you master your interpersonal skills for your
day-to-day practice. Moreover, you’ll stand out from other health workers.

Table of Contents 

What are The Types of Communication

in Healthcare?
Medical institutions practise two types of communication skills in healthcare.
They are –

1. Interhospital Communication
Interhospital communications are all about sharing communication among
multiple hospitals or clinics. This includes the exchange of information and
resources between them. A few examples are:

 Transferring patients from one facility to another

 Sending medical 5les

 Moving vital medical equipment.

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 El

Doing so much requires clear communication between experienced health

workers. However, healthcare centres often face challenges in
communicating e"ectively.

Inadequate communication raises costs significantly. For example, ine#cient

access to patients’ medical documents creates a need for duplicate tests.
Therefore, improvements in communication skills in healthcare can save
valuable time, money and e"ort.

2. Intrahospital Communication:
Likewise, problems with communication occur among personnel within the
same healthcare centre. It is called Intrahospital communication. This type of
communication occurs within a singular institution. For instance, it can involve
coordinating room changes and setting up surgeries. Some other examples
are further assignments of tests, scheduling appointments, etc.
:
 When communication is inadequate, the e#ciency of each process tends to
decrease naturally. Also, it potentially results in unnecessary costs or even
danger to patients. This may result in patient record delays, lack of procedural
coordination, and even serious medical mishaps.

What is the Importance of E!ective

Communication Skills in Healthcare?
When a patient enters into healthcare centres, they are sick and emotionally
fatigued. Generally, a lot of the patients deal with di#cult emotions such as
hopelessness and anger.
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 But in reality, these are defence mechanisms, which help them to adjust to the
new situation. So, have to be well understood and taken care of by healthcare
professionals.

1. Sound Understanding of a Patient’s

Condition and Needs
Doctors and nurses provide patients with care from the start to the end of their
treatment. These health workers assess, evaluate, and work to understand a
patient’s condition.

As a doctor, you have to establish sound communication with your patients.

Sometimes, you might even need to learn about their personal details.
Examples of such details are family background, medical history, lifestyle,
habits, and more. And doing so is important to understand your patient’s
major health challenges.

You have to talk to your patient and make them understand what you want to
know about them. After that, you have to listen to them actively. This can yield
important information which may help you to cure him in an easier way.

If you are a nurse, then you are the bridge between the patient and other team
members. So, quality interactions are critical to providing the best medical
care.

2. Understanding the Emotional State of

Patients
The quality of your interaction with the patients can impact how well you
understand them. That especially applies to their physical and emotional well-
:
 being. Especially if you are a nurse, you can provide better care if you can
communicate better with them.

Your interaction with patients can yield valuable information on their long-
term health. Moreover, making decisions on appropriate treatment plans
becomes easier.

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3. Understanding Patients of Di!erent Age

and Gender
As a health worker, you have to deal with patients of di"erent ages. To
illustrate, the psychology of a kid is di"erent from the psychology of a teen.
:
 illustrate, the psychology of a kid is di"erent from the psychology of a teen.
Similarly, the behaviour of a teen is di"erent from the behaviour of an adult.

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Without great communication skills, it would be tough for you to interact with
patients of di"erent ages. And, without interacting, it would be very
challenging to treat your patients properly.

Likewise, you need to communicate well with both male and female patients.
Therefore, you need to have good knowledge and courtesy on how to
communicate e"ectively.

4. Realising Social Determinants

There are some social determinants of health. Also, social, physical and
environmental conditions can a"ect a person’s health. Certain
socioeconomic challenges can increase the rates of physical conditions.
Some examples are- poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, and lack of
education. And such conditions can even lead to greater health problems.

Therefore, communicating e"ectively with patients can help you to

understand their social determinants. Moreover, this may improve the
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 understand their social determinants. Moreover, this may improve the
patient’s overall health and wellness.

5. Tracking Changes in Care

When a nurse communicates patient needs with the medical team, it can bring
great benefits. This lets the doctor target clinical strategies toward specific
patient preferences. Also, doing so means you can track patient improvement
regularly, almost in real-time.

As a nurse, you have to be a good listener. So, frequently check in on your

patients. Being in physical distress takes a psychological toll on humans in
general. So if you interact well with patients, that might take away a lot of their
nervousness and distress.

6. Creating Synergy
There are many online doctors, nurses and other employees in a hospital
dedicating themselves to the wellness of patients. For this purpose, e"ective
communication between all the doctors, nurses and sta" members is
essential.
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 Nurses have to report the health condition of a patient from time to time to the
doctor. Likewise, doctors instruct nurses, how to manage the patient’s
condition. So, e"ective communication is indispensable for creating synergy
in the medical care unit.

7. Identifying Specialised Needs

You should always remember that a patient may have needs outside their
medical care. For example, some patients may have particular religious beliefs
or specialised dietary needs.
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 You can ensure this information only by communicating properly. Also, this
information will ensure the quality of care isn’t compromised and that the
patient’s requirements are properly met.

Finally, people di"er in their needs for communication. Some want to be

listened to. On the other hand, others want explanations for everything they
are going through. Healthcare professionals must communicate accordingly.

Communication Skills in Health and Social Care

Effective communication is a must for anyone who works or desires to work in the healthcare
sector.

Enrol Now

A Few E!ective Communication Skills

in Healthcare:
Certain components of e"ective communication are necessary irrespective
of profession. Whereas some are more relevant depending on the job. The
communication skills in healthcare that are important and useful in general are
as follows:

1. Verbal Communication
:
 1. Verbal Communication
Verbal communication is the key to interaction. So, you should aim to speak
with clarity, honesty, and accuracy. Firstly, it’s important to know who your
audience is. Secondly, speak according to the person’s age, gender, culture,
and level of health literacy.

If you are disturbed by something else, never show this to your patient.
Thirdly, be aware of your tone. Otherwise, establishing communication will be
tough.

You can do the following things to make verbal communication better-

 Show your interest and encourage your patients by asking, “Could you tell me a

bit more about the matter?”

 Always use the patient’s 5rst name or name of choice. For this purpose, ask

them which one s/he prefers.

 Talk using easy words and avoid technical jargon and medical terms.

2. Non-verbal Communication
Besides talking, using elements of nonverbal communication are equally
important. For this purpose, be careful about your facial expressions, eye
contact, body language, gestures, posture, and tone of voice. After all, they
are instrumental to creating quality rapport.
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 A vibrant smiling can go a long way. You can also-

 Be attentive towards patients.

 Nod your head while listening.

 Lean forward while sitting down to let your patient know that you’re engaged.

 Use polite body language that will convey respect.

3. Active Listening
The term active listening means listening with the intent of understanding the
person who’s talking. While doing so, being focused on the person speaking is
the important thing to do. Oftentimes, we are busy contemplating what to say
next instead. So that’s the mistake you want to avoid.

Active listening is the highest and most e"ective form of listening. For doing
so, it requires complete attention and engagement while interacting with
others.

This skill is important not only for doctors and nurses but also for other
executives. This acts as a tool for building trust and commitment between
each other. Basically, active listening includes both verbal and non-verbal
communication skills in healthcare. For example:

 Not interrupting while the other person is talking

 Making appropriate gestures and replying brieNy to let the other person know

that you’re engaged.

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 4. Written Communication
So, the fact that written communication skills in healthcare are integral to the
job is a no-brainer. As a medical professional, you will be responsible for
creating and updating patient medical records. However, it is necessary that
records are accurate and updated. If you can ensure this, then your patients
are likely to receive the best possible care.

Also, don’t forget to protect patient confidentiality. You can-

 Keep handwriting clear, use simple language.

 Make sure to note accurate date and time

 Keep your notes updated

Related:
1. Why is Transformational Leadership Important in Healthcare?
2. 10 Best Ways to Look After Your Mental Health
3. Air Pollution: How It A"ects Student Health and Academic Performance
4. The Importance of Health and Wellness Training
5. An Ultimate Guide to Confidentiality in Health and Social Care

5. Educating Patient
You have to inform patients and family members of the patient’s health
conditions and diagnoses. In addition, explaining treatment plans and
medication protocols to your patients is also crucial. This skill is especially
important for nurses who work with patients and their families. This includes
providing health and education counselling.

Poor understanding and lack of knowledge can cause patients and their family
members to feel anxious and stressed out. So, make sure that they
understand what they are told. Therefore, you can say-
:
 understand what they are told. Therefore, you can say-

 “I’d like you to repeat back the information to make sure you remember those.”

 “Would you please repeat the instructions for taking this medicine back to me?”

 “Let’s review what we have discussed now. Could you explain, please?”

6. Making Personal Connections

It is also important to get to know the patient as a person. Because building
this connection is critical so that your patients feel safe and comfortable.

Creating a meaningful relationship with patients can improve trust and

increase outcomes. Here are a few ideas:

 Spend some extra time every day with every patient

 Try keeping up a cheerful demeanour

 Show interest in their well-being and overall happiness

 Share your own experiences if you think they relate to them and help their

situation

Communication Skills in Health and Social Care

Effective communication is a must for anyone who works or desires to work in the healthcare
sector.

Enrol Now
:
 7. Cultural Awareness
As a healthcare worker, you will likely work in a di"erent setting. Similarly, you
will deal with people who come from a wide range of cultural, social and
educational backgrounds. Every patient and colleague is unique. That’s why
it’s important to be sensitive and aware.

For example, notice the patient’s fluency in language and choose your
vocabulary accordingly. Moreover, if the patient can’t speak your language,
you can bring in a translator if necessary and possible. With transgender
patients, make sure that you are using their preferred name and preferred
pronoun.

8. Compassion and Trust

Showing compassion is vital as a communication skill in the healthcare sector.
Firstly, compassion can help in promoting fast recovery. Secondly, it can treat
:
 acute illness, enhance the management of chronic illness, and relieving
anxiety. Therefore, you can deliver compassionate treatment and care by
putting yourself in the patient’s shoes. Additionally, try to understand their
needs and expectations.

Trust is important in active communication. However, building trust may take

time. And some patients particularly get nervous in the ambience of
healthcare-related places. So, it’s important to make your patients feel as
comfortable as possible. Moreover, try to build a trusting relationship with
other doctors and nurses.

To inspire trust, you should-

 Speak the truth

 Share information without ambiguity

 Be ready to admit mistakes

Pro Tips: Great communication improves the quality of care. And it is the
:
 prerequisite for building a genuine and meaningful relationship. However,
e"ective communication requires training and practice. So, don’t forget
to have a look at the Communication Skills in Health and Social Care
course. Its comprehensive syllabus can do wonders for your
communication skills in healthcare.

Get Started With Developing Communication Skills in Healthcare Today

Healthcare professionals need to optimise and moderate their connection

with patients. That’s the way to generate the best possible outcomes. That is
because both over-bonding and under-communicating can amount to
inadequate professionalism. For this purpose, e"ective communication skills
in healthcare are essential.

Learning communication skills in healthcare should be part of your education

and job. Also, earning such skills makes your job easier and lively. Because by
practising this, you will get plenty of chances to bond with patients and your
colleagues e"ectively. So, start practising your communication skills from
:
 colleagues e"ectively. So, start practising your communication skills from
today!

Further resources

 Communication And Interpersonal Skills in Food And Beverage Service

 Effective Communication Skills For Social Workers

 20 Great Jobs to Consider if you have Good Communication Skills

 Why is Communication Skills of Physicians Important for Patients' Satisfaction?

 How to Improve Your Interpersonal Communication Skills

 How Do People Develop Cross Cultural Communication Skills?

 Marriage Advice: The 8 Communication Skills of Happy couple

 10 Essential Communication Skills for Workplace

 10 Best Assertive Communication Worksheets and Techniques

 How to Tell Someone to Improve Their Communication Skills?

 20+ Effective Communication Skills (Good for a Resume)

 Different Types Of Communication: Everything You Need To Know

 A De5nitive Guide To Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills

 The Importance of Listening Skills in Communication

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