Clinical communication

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.

Rudyard Kipling

Effective communication is critical in the complex and sometimes chaotic health care environment.

The quality of clinical communication between the nurse and patient, the nurse and other nurses, and the nurse and the physician or other health professionals, affects patient care. When communication is poor, patients may be put at risk
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Communicating— speaking, listening, writing and using a computer—is part of every nurse’s day, wherever they are practising. Clinical communication must be clear, relevant, accurate, complete and timely.

This study aid introduces you to some of the skills required for clinical communication. The scenarios are hospital-based, but the skills and terminology you learn here can be transferred to any health care setting.