Healthcare and Business Communication
We live in an era where communication and data have become a core part of our daily routine. If we look at it from a business point of view, effective communication and data can help us make better decisions. It is evident that communication is a core part of success and long-term sustainability. Similarly, the ability to communicate in an effective and clear manner is equally important for any healthcare professional. Apart from communication, there have been many instances where healthcare and business have worked closely together. A key example is medical device marketing and promotions.
From communicating with patients to their families, a health professional has to be well-versed in all aspects of communication. Moreover, it is also a key to collaborating with fellow employees and other professionals. Communication harnesses the relationship beyond just business. Good communication not only helps healthcare to develop an effective relationship but also adds and maintains trust.
It is not necessary to develop effective communication overnight and sometimes requires avid development and training. It takes time until the culture is implemented into a workforce. The best part is that you can easily develop and incorporate a culture within the healthcare environment.
Steps for Improvement in Business Communication
Below are a few practical steps business owners and employees can take to develop effective communication in a healthcare institute.
1. Make Communication an Integral Part of Hospital
The business leaders within an organization should take some time to explain the importance of communication. The positive communication with proactive behavior should receive encouragement and rewards. Make communication a core part of your evaluation strategy as well. Emphasize the need for doctors to listen to the patient and fellow employees alike. Make sure the workforce is open to hearing suggestions and receiving feedback.
It is estimated that over 20-30% of our communication is non-verbal and is delivered through body language. Healthcare professionals should display appropriate body language that shows they are open to communicating and approachable. A doctor should also look out for these signs in a patient. One may sound okay, but their body language might tell otherwise.
2. Zero Tolerance for Assumptions
For effective and compact communication, internal employees and business partners have to collaborate effectively. Both parties should be free to express their concerns and opinions, ensuring that there is no gap in communication. A communication gap can lead to assumptions, which pose a detrimental impact on a healthcare institution. The healthcare system should implement a policy, so internal communication remains strong throughout the years.
It is integral to make more efforts to get the stakeholders together and listen to workers’ needs. The environment has to be based on acceptance and freedom for every employee working in the healthcare organization.
3. Respect for Everyone
Due to the sensitive nature of the healthcare industry, even a small error may lead to dire consequences. Although there is no room for errors, refrain from implementing strict rules and regulations. More importantly, it’s important that supervisors don’t ridicule workers someone for their mistakes. When employees are told off in front of their peers, it may lead to more shame and embarrassment.
Of course, it doesn’t mean you should just let things slide. Make sure to address it but without singling out someone and being too harsh. If the occasion arises, you can even talk to them separately and consult them about the matter.
Also, ensure recognition and reward for the employees who stand out in their services. Make sure you make subordinates feel like they’re an integral part of the organization. Not only will it help them improve, but it will have a positive impact on overall communication.
4. Plan Ahead
It is necessary for doctors and nurses to prepare to deal with a wide range of patients in a hospital. Most of them will be pleasant to treat and work with, but some may be difficult. It is important that the staff deals with everyone professionally, but not without empathy.
The Impact of Effective Communication on Healthcare Nurses
Good communication within an organization is always a welcome sight. It is important that there are no gaps in communication between employees and that a proper communication strategy and practices are ensured. In many healthcare organizations, nurses are often overworked, stressed, and exposed to very difficult circumstances. They also tend to work long hours and have to report in on emergencies as well.
It results in nurses overlooking their own needs to ensure that all patients are doing well. Moreover, they also assist the doctors in surgical and medical matters. Therefore, verbal and written communication is critical for the nursing profession. It ensures that they are effectively responding to a situation and performing their roles as assigned.
Good Communication Outcomes for a Patient
With the help of active participation, doctors can increase the chances of patient recovery. The core part of active participation is with the help of adequate communication. Some experts believe that a patient’s recovery is highly dependent on the quality of communication they receive from the doctor and nurses. From the waiting room to a doctor’s office, polite and professional communication is integral.
Communication helps the patient trust their healthcare provider and encourages them to share their feelings in detail. It builds the element of trust, which is important for all levels. Usually, patients are not confident, or they don’t trust the doctor enough to share their problems in detail. It creates a communication gap and ultimately hinders overall treatment.
Final Thoughts
Healthy communication is a strong aspect for healthcare institutes to help the patients and also drive revenue to the business. Patient satisfaction matters and should not be comprised at any cost.