5.5 Types of Communication in Healthcare

The previous sections provide an overview of the diversity of patients to bring awareness to the different types of patients you may encounter. However, completing an effective health care plan also means being able to communicate effectively, understand personal biases, and appreciate that the patient may have different views and needs. Also, using the scientific method as a way to use critical reasoning in your hypothesis, analysis, experiment, and results requires an individual to understand their own role in the situation as well as all of the parties involved.

Communication plays a vital role in healthcare, as it is essential for the effective delivery of patient care and the overall functioning of healthcare organizations. In a healthcare setting, communication occurs among healthcare professionals, between healthcare professionals and patients, and among patients and their families. Clear and effective communication is crucial to ensure accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and the provision of compassionate care.

Types of Communication in Healthcare

Verbal Communication: Verbal communication involves the use of spoken words to convey information. This type of communication occurs during face-to-face interactions, team meetings, patient interviews, and discussions between healthcare professionals. Verbal communication can be direct, such as when healthcare providers explain diagnoses or treatment plans to patients, or it can be indirect, such as when healthcare professionals discuss patient cases with colleagues.

Non-Verbal Communication: Non-verbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, and other forms of communication that do not involve spoken words. Non-verbal cues can provide valuable information about a patient’s emotional state, level of comfort, or understanding. Healthcare professionals also utilize non-verbal communication to convey empathy, reassurance, or attentiveness.

Written Communication: Written communication is crucial for documenting patient information, maintaining medical records, and transmitting information between healthcare professionals. This includes medical charts, progress notes, prescriptions, referral letters, and other written documents. Written communication must be clear, accurate, and accessible to ensure effective collaboration among healthcare team members.

Electronic Communication: With the increasing use of electronic health records (EHRs) and digital platforms, electronic communication has become prevalent in healthcare. It includes emails, text messages, secure messaging systems, and teleconferencing. Electronic communication enables rapid information sharing, facilitates remote consultations, and supports timely collaboration among healthcare providers.

Interdisciplinary Communication: In a healthcare setting, multiple healthcare professionals from different disciplines work together as a team to provide comprehensive care. Interdisciplinary communication involves effective communication and collaboration among these professionals, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and social workers. It ensures that all team members are informed, aligned, and coordinated in delivering patient care.

Patient-Provider Communication: Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is essential for building trust, promoting patient engagement, and ensuring informed decision-making. Patient-provider communication involves active listening, empathy, and clear explanations of medical information. It helps patients understand their conditions and treatment options and actively participate in their care.

Family Communication: In healthcare, communicating with patients’ families or caregivers is often necessary, particularly in cases involving minors or patients unable to communicate for themselves. Family communication includes providing updates on the patient’s condition, discussing treatment plans, and addressing their concerns. It helps ensure the involvement of the patient’s support system and facilitates shared decision-making.

These are some of the primary types of communication in healthcare. Effective communication across these channels is crucial for providing quality healthcare, enhancing patient safety, and improving overall patient outcomes.

Adapted from “Diversity of Patients” by Walton & Darch in DENT-1005: Patient Care Procedures, © Fanshawe College 2023.