Utilize effective intra-professional and inter-professional communication to promote a continuous and reliable therapeutic environment.

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Positive Strategies for Intra and Interprofessional Communication

The growing pains of a rehabilitation center for acute care can be significant. A decrease in customer satisfaction over the past 6 months is one of the many consequences the rehabilitation center faces. It was my task to create a section in the hospital’s newsletter that focused on effective intra-and inter-professional communication. This column highlights some communication techniques that promote a consistent and reliable therapeutic atmosphere.

Communication strategies within the Professional Community

Example 1: “The nurses never talk to each other, and they always seem to be arguing.”

Lack of communication within the profession can result in misunderstandings and negative attitudes. This can lead to poor care of clients.

Communication strategy: the following strategies are effective in promoting intra-professional communications among nurses.

1. Communication tools like shift huddles and daily rounds as well electronic medical records are used to keep everyone on the same page.
2. Meetings with the staff regularly provide an opportunity for dialogue and feedback.
3. Workshops and training to improve communication among staff.

Evidence: A study by O’Connell, Browne, & Murphy (2020) found that effective communication can lead to improved teamwork, higher job satisfaction, and better quality of care.

Example 2: “The therapists don’t communicate with the nurses, and the patients are getting mixed messages.”

Poor communication can have serious consequences. It can lead to medication mistakes, delayed care and reduced patient satisfaction.

Communication Strategies: These strategies will help to promote communication between therapists, nurses and other professionals.

1. Team meetings with multidisciplinary specialists to discuss and coordinate treatment.
2. Documentation and reports to share information with all team members.
3. Education and training to improve teamwork and communication among members.

King et. al. Researchers found in 2018 that communication between disciplines and collaboration could lead to better patient outcomes.

Inter-Professional Communication Strategies

Example 1: “The doctors never listen to us and always make decisions without our input.”

Lack of communication can have negative consequences for healthcare professionals. This includes mistrust between them, reduced job satisfaction and lower quality care.

Interprofessional Communication: Communication strategies that promote communication between nurses and doctors

1. Interprofessional meetings are held regularly to review treatment plans and the progress of patients.
2. Standardized communication tools like SBAR (Situational Background, Assessment and Recommendation), which ensures that team members are all able to access the same information.
3. Healthcare professionals need to be trained and educated on how to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Evidence: A study by Senn et al. In 2021, it was found that standardizing communication can help improve collaboration and communication among health professionals.

Example 2: “The therapists and doctors don’t seem to be on the same page, and it’s affecting the patient’s recovery.”

Lack of communication can have serious consequences. It may cause conflicting treatment plans amongst healthcare professionals, delay in patient care and a decrease in the quality of their care.

Communication Strategies: These strategies will help to promote communication between therapists, doctors and other professionals.

1. Team meetings with multidisciplinary specialists to coordinate treatment and plan treatments.
2. SBAR is a standard tool for communication that ensures all team members are able to access the same information.
3. Healthcare professionals need to be trained and educated on how to communicate and collaborate effectively.