The undervalued role of communication in healthcare improvement and its critical contribution to engaging staff and saving lives. (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lucas, Bill; Cooper, Andrew; Willson, Alan
• Is Part Of: Journal of communication in healthcare. Volume 14:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 5
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Communication -- quality improvement -- behaviour change; Communication in medicine -- Periodicals; Communication -- Periodicals; Health promotion -- Periodicals; 610.696
• DOI: 10.1080/17538068.2021.1877881
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-8068

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Implementation of quality improvement (QI) approaches in healthcare is widespread, yet healthcare services are still not reliably safe. Many QI approaches aim to change human behaviour to improve patient care, yet communication, a key component of change, does not feature prominently in QI theory and practice. We elaborate here on potential reasons for this oversight and how the role of communication can be clarified and enhanced. We also argue for the need of new theoretical models to overcome such issues and reflect on a few topics for consideration and inclusion in potential new theoretical models to address this issue. The question is not whether communication should be part of improvement activity, but how best it should be embedded and on what theoretical basis such decisions are taken.