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Name
Instructor
Course
Date
Nurse-Patient Communication, Interdisciplinary Communication, and Patient Safety
Introduction
Many governing bodies in the health care sector have identified communication to be
significant to the safety and well-being of patients. Besides, improved care coordination requires
healthcare providers to offer effective communication. The present research shows that the
leading cause of patient harm and medical errors are ineffective communication. In this paper, I
will explain the seven principles of patient and clinician communication and the application of
three principles to my interaction with patients. I will illustrate the methods used to improve
interdisciplinary communication and choose the best. Lastly, I will explain the ethical principles
and their importance in communication.
Principles of Communication
First, the mutual respect principle encourages patients and clinicians to exchange
information and make decisions as partners (Paget, L., et al. 3). The exchange of information
should exhibit mutual respect. Second, the principle of harmonized goal requires both the patient
and clinician to agree and have a common understanding of the care plan. Third, the principle of
a supportive environment encourages the development of a secure environment that supports the
needs and concerns of the patient. Patients must feel comfortable when taking to clinicians
(Sevdalis, Hull, & Birnbach 5). Fourth, with the principle of appropriate partners, the patient
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should seek the services of a clinician with skills appropriate to his/her problems. Clinicians
should understand the options of the patient so that they can offer the best care.
Fifth, the principle of the right information requires clinicians to discuss and share the
available information, choices and trade-offs. Understanding situations of the patient depend on
the accuracy of sharing by the patient of perceptions, personal practices, and symptoms (Paget,
L., et al. 4). Sixth, with the transparency and full disclosure, patients should be open to clinicians
about their medical history, circumstances, and preferences. Lastly, the principle of continuous
learning requires the establishment of an effective method for regular feedback on progress.
Three of the seven principles are critical in my interaction with my patients. Regarding
the principle of mutual respect, I listen to the issue raised by the patient and respect their feeling
about the situation. Hearing the views of the patient is important since it allows me to understand
