Communication is crucial for healthcare teams to treat patients effectively and without error. Nurses, doctors, support staff, and social workers are just some of the members of a healthcare team that work together to ensure their patients are provided with excellent care. Healthcare teams utilize various types of communication to effectively coordinate care and exchange information such as verbal, written, electronic, non-verbal, and at meetings of different disciplines. This article will explore these communication types in more detail.
Verbal communication
Verbal communication was once the most common communication method in the medical field, until the proliferation of electronic apps and portable devices. This type of communication is still the best way for healthcare professionals to get their points across to each other and collaborate on patient care. Verbal communication includes face-to-face conversations, meetings, group discussions, and telephone calls. Verbal communication allows for immediate information exchange and clarification without waiting for an email or message to be read.
Written communication
Healthcare professionals use written communication in various forms, such as progress notes, medical records, handover notes, emails, and text messages. This type of communication helps with documenting patient care, sharing information, and providing instructions. It is crucial for the individual writing these notes to be as detailed as possible, as well as making sure the notes are legible. Most written communication is in the form of notes about the patient, changes in conditions, or any changes in treatment that the rest of the team should know about.
Electronic communication
With advancements in technology, healthcare teams use electronic communication methods like electronic health records (EHRs), telemedicine platforms, and secure messaging systems. These facilitate real-time sharing of patient information, remote consultations, and collaboration among team members. Electronic communication is also crucial in reaching patients who are in remote areas or have problems traveling. Chat programs like Zoom and Microsoft Teams can help medical professionals reach each other quickly as well as bring the patient into the chat. This reduces the amount of time needed to get the whole team together in person and gives everyone a chance to weigh in on the treatment plan. This also helps the patient feel that they are involved in their care.
Electronic communication techniques are integral to team building in nursing as the world is moving towards more technological advances in the medical field. Nurses can learn these techniques and further their education at accredited online schools such as Spring Arbor University. Schools such as these offer comprehensive and challenging programs like the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN). This degree provides opportunities for nurses to perfect their communication techniques and learn team building skills. It is perfect for those individuals who want to move up in their careers and gain valuable knowledge to transition to leadership roles.
Non-verbal communication
Non-verbal cues, such as body language, gestures, facial expressions, and tone of voice, contribute to effective communication in healthcare settings. Non-verbal communication can convey emotions, empathy, and understanding. This type of communication is crucial in dealing with patients and their families when they have questions or concerns. Non-verbal communication can include simply nodding and smiling when a patient or caregiver needs to express an emotion to help them feel heard. It is important for healthcare professionals to listen as much as they speak to hear valuable input from the patient, the caregiver, and other members of the medical team.
Interdisciplinary team meetings
Regular team meetings bring together healthcare professionals from different disciplines to discuss patient care plans, treatment options, and progress updates. These meetings promote collaboration and ensure effective communication among team members. Electronic meetings held via chat rooms or other apps are crucial to interdisciplinary team meetings in the modern age. With the healthcare community stretched thin with staff shortages, getting all members of a medical team in one room can be an insurmountable issue. With electronic apps, those professionals can meet while in their office, on the rounds, or at home.
Interprofessional rounding
Interprofessional rounds involve healthcare providers from various disciplines coming together at the patient’s bedside to discuss their condition, treatment plan, concerns, and progress. This approach improves communication, fosters shared decision-making, and promotes patient-centered care. This type of interprofessional in-person communication can make patient care much more effective. These professionals can discuss the options with the patient and the rest of the team while collecting feedback and hearing others’ ideas. This type of communication can solve small problems quickly and makes the patient feel that they are an integral part of their medical team.
Patient education
Effective communication with patients and their families is crucial in healthcare. Healthcare professionals provide information and educate patients about their condition, treatment options, medication instructions, and lifestyle modifications to empower them in making informed decisions regarding their health.
In some states, nurse practitioners can open clinics without the supervision of doctors so they can treat families directly in their communities. A substantial part of this job is to educate generations of families who are genetically predisposed to certain illnesses about healthy lifestyles, nutrition, and preventative care.
Visual aids and multimedia
Healthcare professionals often use visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, videos, and interactive software, to enhance communication during patient education sessions or presentations. These aids help simplify complex medical concepts, improve understanding, and engage patients in their care.
Public announcements and bulletins
In healthcare facilities, public announcements and bulletins sent via email or bulletin boards serve to communicate critical information such as safety reminders, policy changes, announcements of upcoming events or training sessions, and other relevant updates. Nowadays, these types of announcements are posted on a group chat for the team, or an internal networking drive that only medical professionals can access. The medical organization’s website is an excellent source of this type of information, and it is crucial this medium is kept current and checked often.
Case presentations
Healthcare professionals often present cases to their colleagues or during educational sessions, conferences, or grand rounds. These presentations provide an opportunity to share complex cases, diagnostic challenges, treatment plans, and research findings, promoting knowledge dissemination, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving. These presentations are an excellent way for new medical professionals to practice their communication skills with colleagues and hone these skills for future interactions.
Remote communication
When distance or logistics are a challenge, healthcare teams can employ remote communication methods like video conferences, teleconferences, or virtual collaboration platforms. These allow for real-time discussions, consultations, and decision-making, even when team members are geographically dispersed. For patients in remote areas or who are unable to travel, this type of communication is beneficial in helping them provide feedback to their health team and report any changes to their health. By accessing remote communication programs, a patient can collaborate with their teams immediately when they need an adjustment in their treatment plan rather than waiting for an appointment.
It is essential for healthcare teams to utilize a combination of these communication methods to ensure effective information sharing, coordination, and collaboration, ultimately improving patient outcomes and safety. It is also important for healthcare teams to adapt communication strategies based on the situation, taking into consideration patient preferences, privacy regulations, and the specific needs of the care team. There are many ways the team can communicate valuable information and by involving the patient in these discussions, they increase the effectiveness of patient-centered care.
