effective communication in healthcare

Who do radiographers communicate with ?

Patients / family members

Students

Radiologists/ Other referrers

Other radiographers

What forms of communication do we use?

Verbal- language and tone of voice

Non verbal - body language, facial expressions, eye contact

Written- letters, documentations, patient notes

What forms of communication can be used to?

Face to face

Telephone

Emails and texts

Video calls

Why is communication with patients essential ?

It ensures patients gain informed consent and understand what needs to be done. It also allows for patient anxiety to be reduced and their dignity maintained

What does effective communication look like ?

Giving clear and accurate information

Allowing the other person to ask questions

Checking the understanding of the person

What is active listening?

giving someone your attention, trying to understand their message and responding appropriately.

How can we demonstrates active listening ?

Asking follow up questions

Using appropriate eye contact and body language

Acknowledge concerns and emotions

What does empathy mean ?

Empathy means recognising and responding sensitively to another person's feelings or perspective. 

What are some benefits of written communication ?

Can enhance memory and understanding

Provides a permanent record of the information

Can empower patients prior to attending appointment

What is the interactive model of communication?

This is a two way communication system. The participants alternate roles as sender and receiver and includes feedback between participants

What is the liner model of communication ?

The sender communicates with the receiver without means of feedback or a reply eg. Hospital intercom asking a member of staff to go to a specific place

What barriers can arise from written communication ?

language differences, 1 in 6 adults have poor literacy skills, jargon and medical terminology, patient can’t ask questions for clarity

What barriers can arise from visual communication ?

Differences in language, misinterpretation, jargon& med terminology, formatting eg. Colours/font size

What barriers arise from verbal communication ?

Differences in language

enivormanteal eg. Too noisy

neurodiversity/ disabilities

Physical barriers eg. Covid, PPE

What barriers arise from non verbal communication?

• misinterpretation

• Cultural differences

• Visual impairments