Communication is an integral part of healthcare, effective communication within the National Health Service is fundamental in achieving the highest quality of patient care in which patients are engaged, respected and understood as individuals. As a healthcare professional, both in the role as a cardiac physiologist and as a wider member of the health care team, the importance of communication is highlighted when working in multidisciplinary teams, providing patient centred care and for the delivery of evidence based practice; which are all central in enhancing the services provided to patients (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2012). The constitutional values of the National Health Service, the framework of principles that govern the operation of the service (Department of Health, 2015), are all underpinned by communication. The two core values that will be discussed throughout this essay are “respect and dignity’ and ‘working together for patients’ and how communication is essential for their solid delivery within practice.
It may help in the introduction to state that there are 6 values, what they are and then which 2 you are focusing on in relation to communication in terms of your professional area of cardiac physiology
The Oxford English Dictionary (2018) defines the term communication as “The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium”. Within a clinical setting, information must be shared between individuals in a variety of different ways in order to convey clear and succinct messages relating to patient health and wellbeing. Communication can be broken down into different forms, including aspects of verbal communication and non-verbal communication. Verbal communication relates to the tone, pitch, volume, vocabulary and language used to deliver a message. Non – verbal communication considers the body language, posture, eye contact, gestures and facial expressions displayed by an individual when relaying information (Royal College of Nursing, 2015). Specialist types of communication skills can also be covered by non -verbal communication in situations where communication barriers may arise, such as sign language and braille (National Health Service, 2018). Communication is a two – way process, listening attentively and responding accordingly requires the participation of all members involved in a conversation. Due to the uniqueness of each clinical setting and individuality of each patient, the most appropriate types of communication methods should be used in order for communication to occur successfully (Royal College of Nursing, 2015).
The need for this effective communication has been emphasised through the production of a consensus statement created by the UK medical schools under the support of the UK Council for Clinical Communication in Undergraduate Medical Education (Von Fragstein et al, 2008, pp.1100-1107). The statement recommends the core clinical communication competencies all healthcare undergraduates should develop throughout their studies and continue doing so as they embark on their career. In essence, the awareness and implementation of medical communication is a prerequisite requirement of any successful healthcare professional entering their profession. A cardiac physiologist performing diagnostic tests on patients undergoing treatment for cardiovascular disease requires a careful, tailored and sensitive approach to communication as many of these individuals may be apprehensive and concerned regarding their treatment. The manner in which the cardiac physiologist communicates with the patient can heavily influence the effectiveness of the tests and hence the overall quality of their care (Society for Cardiological Science and Technology, 2018). It is therefore crucial that the core communication competencies have been learnt, implemented and developed throughout the duration of the healthcare
professionals time in practice.
Poor communication throughout the National Health Service is a leading concern for patients, which can be highlighted by the number of complaints made surrounding this matter. **REF* website The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (2015) published an annual report on the 2014 – 2015 year in relation to the complaints made by individuals regarding their treatment. It was clearly noted that a high majority of complaints were focused on inadequate communication throughout the service – including the ways in which staff communicated with patients; staff conduct and manner and maintaining the precision of information passed on from one person to another. Additional reports made in subsequent years also emphasised the complaints made regarding poor communication within healthcare. **REF**report According to The Complaints and PALS Annual Report 2016-17 (National Health Service, 2017), grievances involving communication were some of the highest, including poor communication with patients, family members and careers. **REF**report Furthermore, The Data on Written Complaints in the NHS 2016-17 (National Health Service, 2017) noted that the highest level of non-clinical complaints were in connection to communication, with a staggering 28,274 written complaints made.
Poor communication throughout the National health Service has an impact on patient care REF***(Marie Curie, 2016), and has a detrimental outcome on the overall quality of treatment and long term wellbeing of patients. It is therefore essential that a high calibre of communication is maintained throughout all aspects of healthcare to avoid preventable unsatisfactory outcomes, with the aim to provide patients with the most informed, quality services available to them.
*** CHECK PLAGIRISM HERE*** – delete any words used twice…
Respect and dignity are two key principles of the National Health Service, together making up one of the six core values of the constitution (Department of Health, 2015). The National Health Service presents respect and dignity by treating patients, relatives, careers and other service users as individuals and by valuing their personal beliefs, morals, desires and obligations in life. Integrity, honesty and reliability are central in offering respect and dignity to patients and vital in providing high quality care (Department of Health, 2015). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2012) appreciates that respect and dignity are fundamental aspects of patient care. This is extended to supporting patients with the emotional aspects of their treatment in a sensitive manner; treating patients with kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness and integrity and taking into consideration patient confidentiality and consent.
‘Person – Centred Care’ is a dynamic concept comprising of many different methods used in order to enhance patient health and wellbeing. It is a patient focused approach to care, it considers the individual needs of each patient and involves adapting care where necessary depending on the specific circumstances of each individual **REF(The Health Foundation, 2016, p.7). Health Foundation (2016, p.7) has identified the main areas of person-centred care as providing patients with organised and individualised treatment; encouraging patient autonomy; advocating the need for patients to play an active role in their treatment by being engaged and involved and most importantly showing patients respect and dignity throughout all stages of their care.