Communicating in Healthcare
Tiffany McLean
HCS 320
February 13, 2013 David Harrell

Communicating in Healthcare “The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (Pre du, 2005) therefore proper communication with one’s healthcare physician is critical. Knowing how to communicate is the key. Communication within all types of the workforce is a vital piece of the daily operations of businesses regardless the line of work performed. Health care communication is held to a higher regard due to the outcome of the patient and the organization. Within this brief essay the topics of how does effective communication incorporate the basic elements of communication, how the basic elements of effective communication differ from the basic rules of health care communication, how a provider might encourage a reluctant consumer to communicate candidly, and how cultural differences influence communication will be discussed.
“There is more to effective communication than putting thoughts into words. Communication is the process of understanding and sharing meaning” (Pre du, 2005). Process and personal goals are some areas covered in effective communication (Pre du, 2005). When having an effective conversation, the ability to process the information being received and its placement within life can be considered as having productive communication. The knowledge of a personal expectations and personal goals increases the satisfaction and provide a better outcome for a solution or it may offer a common ground between the communicator and the other party (Pre du, 2005).
No one communicates alone. “Interdependence also serves to emphasize that everyone involved in the communication has some influence on it” (Pre du, 2005). If both parties feel as if they have