15021 Communication: An Essential Skill for Safety in Healthcare

Course overview

Discussion of the importance of communication in healthcare, including influential contexts in regards to communication, differences between counseling and consulting, factors that impact communication when communicating with peers, formal and informal network types, and inhibitors to effective communication. Effective communication between patients and healthcare providers is a key component in establishing a therapeutic practitioner-patient relationship and assists in the delivery of high-quality healthcare. Research has shown that a healthcare providers ability to explain, listen, and empathize can have a large impact on health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and overall care experience. Possessing effective communication skills is crucial in all aspects of healthcare, and the ability to communicate effectively can help to encourage and foster professional relationships with both patients, peers, and other healthcare professionals. However, there are multiple factors that contribute towards and inhibit effective communication, leading to potential miscommunication and lack of cohesiveness in both the workplace and amongst healthcare providers and patients. This program discusses influential contexts in regards to communication, differences between counseling and consulting, factors that impact communication when communicating with peers, formal and informal network types, and inhibitors to effective communication.