effective communication
Abstract
The ability to communicate information and ideas effectively is increasingly recognized as critical to the success of the healthcare system. Effective communication is required not only for successful interactions between individuals and their health care providers but also between health care providers themselves. As research and best practice initiatives continue to grow, the need for researchers to effectively communicate with these groups is also important. However, there are many challenges inherent to health communication, including low health literacy, cultural diversity, contradicting/confusing health information as well as a lack of training for health care professionals in communicating with consumers. These challenges are further exacerbated by health care professionals who may lack the ability to communicate effectively across professions.
The health care system and science communication overall can be made more accessible to individuals using a range of strategies including critically reflecting on assumptions. In this article, several root causes of difficulty in communication will be discussed, and practical suggestions given to enable more effective communication of ideas between individuals with differing backgrounds in the health care system. For those working in health care and the sciences, an awareness of how best to enable effective communication presents important opportunities for the future.
Introduction
The ability to communicate ideas effectively is increasingly recognized as critical to the success of the healthcare system. Effective communication is required not only for successful interactions between individuals and their health care providers but also between health care providers themselves. Similarly, effective communication of ideas is a critical competency required by the researcher who plans to successfully share information with members of the public and/or to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines.
The ability to communicate information and ideas effectively is increasingly recognized as critical to the success of the healthcare system. Effective communication is required not only for successful interactions between individuals and their health care providers but also between health care providers themselves. As research and best practice initiatives continue to grow, the need for researchers to effectively communicate with these groups is also important. However, there are many challenges inherent to health communication, including low health literacy, cultural diversity, contradicting/confusing health information as well as a lack of training for health care professionals in communicating with consumers. These challenges are further exacerbated by health care professionals who may lack the ability to communicate effectively across professions.
The health care system and science communication overall can be made more accessible to individuals using a range of strategies including critically reflecting on assumptions. In this article, several root causes of difficulty in communication will be discussed, and practical suggestions given to enable more effective communication of ideas between individuals with differing backgrounds in the health care system. For those working in health care and the sciences, an awareness of how best to enable effective communication presents important opportunities for the future.
Introduction
The ability to communicate ideas effectively is increasingly recognized as critical to the success of the healthcare system. Effective communication is required not only for successful interactions between individuals and their health care providers but also between health care providers themselves. Similarly, effective communication of ideas is a critical competency required by the researcher who plans to successfully share information with members of the public and/or to collaborate with researchers from other disciplines.