Professional Communication in Healthcare Systems - Essay Sample

Introduction

In the healthcare systems today, delivery processes include multiple patient handoffs and numerous interfaces among healthcare professionals. All these processes engage different practitioners with varying levels of occupational training and education. In four days, one patient may interact with up to 50 employees, including physicians, technicians, and nurses (Steihaug 2016). The effective clinical practice involves different instances of collaboration and accurate communication of critical information. Team collaboration is crucial to ensure a smooth flow of information. Miscommunication can put a patient’s safety at risk. Also, lack of proper communication leads to misinformation, overlooked changes in status, misinterpretation of information, and unclear taking of any orders (Steihaug 2016). In a clinical setting, challenges in collaboration and communication errors create room for medical errors (Steihaug 2016).

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Collaboration Challenges Which Can Be Experienced

Care providers can face collaboration challenges across all contexts, which can be hampered by individual and organizational factors. Other factors include differences in professions and knowledge bases. Other collaborative challenges can include lack of trust and confidence in others' decisions, clashing perceptions, perceived loss of autonomy, and lack of skills from other areas of specialties.

According to O’Daniel & Rosenstein (2008), collaboration challenges occur due to vertical hierarchical differences and concerns of upward differences, conflicts, roles, and ambiguity in interpersonal roles. When there are hierarchical differences, there is a distortion of information and miscommunication, which leads to a lack of effective collaboration. According to the authors, in a setting where there is hierarchal culture, those at the top feel that there is a collaborative culture; those at the bottom, on the other hand, experience perceived communication barriers. Differences in hierarchy come into play, diminishing the collaborative interactions appropriate in delivery of necessary treatments. When there are hierarchy problems, those at the low side of the hierarchy find it difficult to communicate their concerns. If those at the top of the hierarchy display intimidating behavior, it hinders any communication and, consequently, any collaborative efforts.

Collaborative Skills Required

Collaboration implies that providers from different disciplines and specialties work together. This includes proper conveying of messages and integrating the work of different professionals. Leadership models in health care need to incorporate cooperative models rather than competitive models. A greater incentive for improved teamwork can be achieved by directing attention where measurable success is likely to be achieved. This strategy focuses on areas of improvement while putting less emphasis on areas where there seem to be irreconcilable differences (Steihaug 2016).

To achieve collaboration, integration to a certain level is necessary. Practically, integration includes translating themes and schemes by different professionals and shared goals. Collaboration barriers can be overcome by blurring misunderstandings and professional identities (O’Daniel & Rosenstein 2008). This can be achieved by identifying and setting out specific roles for everyone, mutual understanding, and respect for every person’s roles and recognition of their area of expertise. Research shows that a good relationship between care providers and having sufficient resources is crucial in festering good relationships and better collaboration (O’Daniel & Rosenstein 2008). Also, to ensure collaboration, organizational leaders need to take appropriate measures to promote collaboration. Some of the measures can include patient-centeredness in the integration of healthcare. Many researchers have shown that patient-centered approaches to healthcare lead to better collaboration (O’Daniel & Rosenstein 2008). The other step that leaders can take is creating opportunities for different groups to get together either formally or informally. Getting together will help in encourage collaborative rounds and dialogue, promoting more group work and collaboration. Also, standard behavior and policies can help in promoting collaboration. The by-laws and policies should be part of signed agreements at the point of employment. Through signed agreements and policies, the staff will be forced to act in a way that improves collaboration.

Additionally, a focus on the different inequality perspectives between healthcare providers and patients can lead to a better environment in achieving collaboration. Redesigning organizational systems to nurture collaborative relationships can also foster information sharing and integrated network between patients and healthcare providers. Finally, assuring competency at all levels of the healthcare team is crucial. Competency factors affect respect and trust, which influences team collaboration.

Effective Communication

Organizations can promote effective communication by taking appropriate action through strategies. An organization should first assess the current communication methods and existing gaps. Afterward, the organization should take an inventory and come up with solutions addressing these gaps. Some of the solutions include streamlining communication channels. Communication should be simple, and communication protocols should be put in place so that everyone can pass a message whenever necessary without any barriers. A non-punitive environment should be put in place to support communication mechanisms. Communication should remain secure and confidential. Communication can also be improved through mobile collaboration, where there is a peer to peer and top-down communication. With the improvement of technology, instant messaging through mobile phones can improve communications.

Another way of improving communication is by encouraging face-to-face communication. Virtual communication should only be used in unavoidable circumstances. Face-to-face communication is easier and reduces potential miscommunications. Also, organizations should consider the input of the stakeholders in any decision making. This way, they will feel that their communication is welcomed and that they will communicate freely.

On another level, generic education is important in spreading basic skills on effective communication. Appropriate topics can include phone etiquette, team dynamics, assertiveness training, conflict management, and stress management. Such courses should be offered to employees and all staff. Accordingly, a valuable asset in healthcare organizations can be a champion who is an early adopter who actively promotes appropriate behavior in communication. Such champions can come from the voluntary enthusiasm of staff or leaders in the organization. Follow-up is also crucial, as it helps employees know that their input is welcomed.

Conclusion

Effective clinical practice should not only focus on technological use but also on the human factor. Good communication encourages collaboration and reduces the potential for errors. Teams offer the potential to achieve more than an individual working alone; group work brings together a pool of professionals, hence capitalizing on the group's abilities, skills, and knowledge. Organizations should assess’ possible setups for poor communication, which will encourage collaboration while preventing errors. By addressing communication and collaboration issues, health care organizations have the potential to enhance their clinical outcomes.

References

O’Daniel, M., & Rosenstein, A. H. (2008). Professional communication and team collaboration. In Patient safety and quality: An evidence-based handbook for nurses. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US).

Steihaug, S., Johannessen, A. K., Ådnanes, M., Paulsen, B., & Mannion, R. (2016). Challenges in achieving collaboration in clinical practice: the case of Norwegian health care. International journal of integrated care, 16(3).