Communication on Every Level Will Make the Healthcare System Flourish

When you think of a successful business, what comes to mind? You might think it’s a business that has a lot of money, maybe it’s one that is organized, or perhaps it’s one that creates changes for its community. Those are all good answers, but what’s missing? Communication is a key pillar that drives success for any industry, especially the healthcare system. When communication is lost there is no way for people to be on the same page, and this oftentimes causes problems that could have been avoided. In order for the healthcare system to flourish, there needs to be widespread communication at every level. When employees get left behind, that means their patients are as well, and this ultimately puts their health at risk. 

The best way to practice communication is to actively make time for it. It’s no secret that the healthcare system is constantly busy, but it’s important for healthcare leaders to practice communicating with their employees on new changes or ideas. Internalizing things not only leaves people out of the loop, but it disrupts a cohesive work environment. 

When it comes to the healthcare industry, patients’ health is first and foremost. This means that there needs to be communication throughout all departments so that directions, treatment plans are all clear. Studies show that communication is vital to the health and well-being of patients. Medical safety experts investigated nearly 23,000 medical malpractice lawsuits, and those experts found that 7,000 of those cases could have been avoided if medical staff communicated better. Patients deserve the highest level of care possible, and it’s up to healthcare leaders to promote a safe space where conversations and questions are encouraged. 

“Communication is one of the most important qualities in any industry, but especially when it comes to healthcare. If there is a lack of communication on all sides, then things will become chaotic and this will be shown through the type of care patients receive. It’s up to healthcare leaders to identify areas where communication is lacking, and then come up with solutions to help solve this issue,” says DoorSpace CEO Sarah M. Worthy.

If one person is given the wrong message, it can spread throughout the organization creating an epidemic of confusion. Sometimes communication means listening to other people. Healthcare leaders can make time to meet with their employees and strategize ways to improve internal systems. Instead of adding more paperwork for employees to do, overwhelming them, perhaps it’s important to make time to have team meetings so that everyone is kept up to date. Making small changes like this demonstrates a cohesive team, with their patients’ health in mind. Talking to one another usually helps solve problems instead of creating them. 

“Highlighting employee duties is a first step in the right direction. Far too often are frontline workers taking on multiple jobs at once creating stress and confusion. Healthcare executives can invest in technology to automate these tasks, so employees’ responsibilities are more clear. It’s also important to foster a healthy work environment where employees can bring up their concerns and ask questions. The goal is to create a safe space all around, for employees to grow and patients to heal, and it all starts with creating clear lines of communication,” Worthy says. 

There is no room to play telephone in the healthcare industry. The more people at every level talk to one another, the smoother internal operations will run. Being an active listener while others are speaking, and feeling comfortable to ask questions is important because it helps solve issues. If employees do not feel like they are in a safe space to ask questions, it will stimulate fear which could impact patients’ health. Communication is a strength that takes practice.

Healthcare leaders can foster communication by making time daily or weekly to make sure everyone is on the same page. This will provide people time to talk through scenarios, ask questions, or learn from one another. Not only will this ensure patients’ health is taken seriously, but it will help the healthcare industry as whole, flourish.