Dr. Bassam Darwish
Consultant in health media and medical development
Quality, monitoring and evaluation of performance are vital and indispensable elements in hospitals and health institutions. These elements form the basis for ensuring the provision of health services in line with established strategies and achieving the desired goals, including improving the quality of services and ensuring patient safety.
In this field, effective internal communication plays a crucial role in improving the quality of services, reducing medical errors, and enhancing patient safety. Effective communication involves exchanging information clearly and concisely among all members of the medical and administrative team, as well as between the patient and the physician. This type of communication is a powerful tool for achieving excellence in healthcare delivery and ensuring the best possible outcomes.
1. Communication between the medical and administrative team:
a. Improve coordination and collaboration:
Good communication between doctors, nurses, and administrators contributes to improving coordination between various departments and units within the hospital. This coordination helps in providing integrated and comprehensive care to patients, which leads to improved quality of service.
**B. Reducing medical errors:
Many medical errors result from miscommunication or lack of information. Effective communication between the medical and administrative team reduces these errors by ensuring that vital information is exchanged accurately and in a timely manner.
C. Improving operational efficiency:
When the medical and administrative team communicate effectively, the operational efficiency of the hospital is improved. Problems can be resolved quickly and decisions made faster and more effectively, resulting in improved patient experience.
Dr.. Enhancing the work environment:
A work environment characterized by good communication enhances employee morale and increases their satisfaction. There is no doubt that an employee who feels that he is part of an integrated and continuous team is more effective in providing high-quality care.
2. Communication between the patient and the doctor:
a. Building trust and respect:
Good communication between patient and doctor contributes to building trust and mutual respect. When patients feel like their doctors listen to them and understand their needs, they are more willing to stick with prescribed treatment plans.
B. Improving health understanding:
Clear communication helps patients better understand their health condition, enabling them to make informed decisions about their care. When doctors provide clear, simple information, patients can follow medical instructions more accurately.
C. Reduce risks and improve patient safety:
Good communication between patient and doctor reduces the risks associated with medical treatment. By providing adequate information and answering patients’ questions, many errors that may occur as a result of misunderstanding or lack of information can be avoided.
Dr.. Enhance patient satisfaction:
Patients who feel involved in the decision-making process about their health are more satisfied with the care they receive. Effective communication enhances patient satisfaction and increases the likelihood that they will adhere to treatment plans and return for care when needed.
3. Strategies to promote effective communication:
a. Use of technology:
Leveraging modern technology such as electronic health records (EHR) and internal communication applications can improve the flow of information between the medical and administrative team. Smartphone applications and email can also be used to improve communication between doctors and patients.
B. Employee training:
Providing training courses for employees on effective communication skills can enhance their ability to exchange information clearly and accurately. Continuous training helps improve the quality of interaction between all parties involved.
C. Create a culture of open communication:
Encouraging a culture of open and honest communication where everyone can express their opinions and share their concerns helps improve the quality of care. All employees should feel comfortable asking questions and providing feedback without fear of repercussions.
Dr.. Evaluate and improve communication processes:
By conducting periodic evaluations of the effectiveness of internal communication processes, hospitals can identify areas that need improvement and take appropriate actions to enhance communication.
Better care
Effective internal communication between the medical and administrative team, as well as between the patient and the doctor, is a crucial factor in improving the quality of health services, reducing medical errors, and enhancing patient safety. By enhancing coordination, building trust, and improving health understanding, hospitals and health organizations can deliver better care and achieve better health outcomes.
There is no doubt that using technology, training employees, promoting a culture of open communication, and regularly evaluating communication processes are effective strategies to achieve this goal.
