The Keys to Effective Health Communication

Healthcare professionals and patients tend to agree on the importance of effective health communication. However, in the complex and changing health care and psychological environment, it seems to be increasingly difficult to achieve effective healthcare-patient communication. Changing demographics, cultural diversity, different languages, more engaged and informed patients, healthcare staffing shortages, and other factors converge to create particularly difficult healthcare communication challenges. In order to communicate clearly, honestly, and directly with patients, healthcare professionals must establish a good rapport. In fact, they need to practice active listening to show courtesy and sensitivity. They must also verify the patient’s understanding of their diagnosis or…