​​​We know from practice and the literature that poor communication between and among healthcare workers, and with patients and caregivers, leads to poor quality care and is a major cause of adverse events. Research has shown that there are fewer adverse events and better treatment outcomes when there is good communication between patients and their caregivers and when patients are fully informed and educated about their medications. Poor communication between physicians, patients and their caregivers has also emerged as a common reason for patients taking legal action against healthcare providers.

This module presents the basics steps to effective communication, including how to be culturally respectful and knowledgeable. It also identifies methods for communicating risk to patients and their caregivers appropriate to their needs and wishes.

This module will teach you about:

• The relevance of good communication in the consent process;
• Communication in depth;
• Cultural awareness and respect; and
• Communicating risk to patients.

Learning Objectives include:

• Describe the range of different skills and strategies to accomplish communication tasks;
• Describe different methods for communicating risk information to patients and caregivers

Want to learn more? Download the module.

This document was revised in September 2017

For more information, contact us at info@hec-esc.ca.