Communication

Communication is important in any business, including healthcare.  Communication within health care involves many different people such as health care providers (physicians, nurses, nursing assistances, physical therapies, etc.), the patient, family members, insurance, pharmacist, vendors, and the list goes on.  In order to give the patient the best care that they deserve, communication must be clear.  Patients need to understand what is going on, and feel as their needs have been met.   Patients are more likely to refer a friend if the staff members that they encounter within a facility communicate to them with passion and knowledge.  

For example, I believe that good communication begins before the patient even step food inside of a facility.  When a patient calls to make an appointment they should understand what the appointment is for, who they will be seeing, any pre-op measures they need to take, where the facility is located, and so on.  Once a patient arrives at a facility they should be able to easily find where they need to be, signs should be clear and understandable, and greeters should answer any directional questions they might have.  Once finding their destination, the receptionist should give them any pre-appointment paper work and assure them of the wait time.  Once they have been registered, the nurse should thoroughly understand why the patient is there and relay the information to the physician.  Once the physician makes a diagnosis they should make sure that the patient understands completely and answer any questions that the patient may have.  The patient should feel as though they have been treated by helpful and caring staff.

As a current hospital employee I am able to understand both sides of the patient role.  I currently work in the Central Service department of the OR.  Our department must make sure that our communication with the OR is clear in order to properly have the instruments and supplies needed for the patient to have a successful surgery. 

When I have to go to the doctor myself, I look for a facility that knows what they are doing and care about their patients.  If I have a negative experience I am not likely to see that physician again.  Recently I have had very positive experiences with the different Carillion facilities that I go to as a patient.