HEALTHCARE COMMUNICATION METHODS

Healthcare Communication Methods

Abstract

This paper discusses the different methods of communication used in a health care organization to communicate with the workers within the organization as well as outside the organization. It analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of traditional communication methods and explains new technology methods that can be used in an health care organization. It also explains the effects of HIPPA on the health care communication system.

Healthcare Communication Methods

Introduction

Organizational culture is very important in supporting and facilitating communication within the organization. It opens channels for transparency, communication, and strong leadership, which are the important factors in maintaining the flow of information in the organization. The workplace culture understanding allows more opportunities for improvements such as improvement in communication in the organization. Communication in the health organization can be improved by providing strong leadership and by implementing the strategies to make improvements in communication system. Communication in a healthcare organization must link its teamwork to patient safety to facilitate improvement in quality of care (Gwen, 2009).

Interpersonal communication is the important part of organizational communication in healthcare. The medical and nursing staff are the main healthcare communicators in an organizations. Organizations should promote an effective communication to ensure that information is exchanged effectively between people. Depending on the needs, different communication systems may be required (Gwen, 2009).

Discussion

Communication Needs in Healthcare Organization

Communication systems vary according to the needs of healthcare system and can be divided into intra-organizational communication, within primary care centers or hospitals, and the inter-organizational communication, that occurs between different organizations. The communication system of hospital-based services depends on organizational structures within the system (Gwen, 2009).

Communication Channel

There are many types of communication channels available, like the telephone, e-mail, and computer medical record. When people exchange messages, through a channel, at the same time, this is called as synchronous communication. Telephones are an example of synchronous channel. However, this type of communication is interruptive, and may have a negative impact on person, such as a busy clinician. The asynchronous channel provides support in these conditions. It may be in form of Post-it notes left on a people's desk, or it may be electronic messaging system. The most important benefits are that it is not interruptive, these methods may be a preferred for busy individuals. The verbal communication is the most prevalent method. Verbal communication is synchronous and interruptive. In healthcare organizations, asynchronous method is used less, although it is an important part of communication. In healthcare work, synchronous channels are usually considered as a source of errors in intra-organizational communication. The interruption can cause distraction and forgetfulness, which can lead to cognition overload and can cause errors (Gwen, 2009).

Types of Messages

Messages achieve specific task by using resources that are available in an organization to meet the requirements of the receiver. Informal messages include voice and e-mail messages. Formal messages include computer-based electronic alerts, discharge summaries, or laboratory results. The computer generated messages, complies with HL7 standard, which is the international messaging standard for healthcare ...