What Is Interprofessional Communication?

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goals and values, provides mechanisms for continuous communication among caregivers, optimizes staff participation in clinical decision-making and fosters respect for the contribution of all disciplines” (Nolte, 2005, p. 4). This definition provides a goal for teams to strive for and outlines the important outcomes of high quality interprofessional collaboration. Highlighted in this definition is the need for participation and on-going collaboration and communication among caregivers who are focused on provision of seamless care. According to the WHO Study Group on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice, (2008), collaboration is “an active and on-going partnership, often between people from diverse backgrounds, who work together …show more content…

“Physicians and other health care professionals all agree on the importance of effective communication among the members of a health care team. However, there are many challenges associated with effective interprofessional (between physicians and other health care providers) communication, and these difficulties sometimes lead to unfavourable patient outcomes” (Canadian Medical Protection Association, 2011 p. 11). The Canadian Medical Protection Association brings forward the negative impacts for patient and clinical outcomes when poor or no communication …show more content…

It is important to consider that communication is not just verbal in form. One study suggests that the majority of communication is more affected by body language, attitude, and tone, than based on the actual words said (O’Daniel, 2008). Interprofessional communication is one of the main cornerstones of effective and sustainable collaboration. It involves observable exchanges of information and knowledge that include subtle and sometimes overt demonstrations of attitudes, personal values and behaviours (Morison, 2007; Suter et al., 2009; Gordon et al., 2011; Campbell, 2014). Individuals need to listen to each other and collaborate in order to develop mutual knowledge, which enhances communication. A model of shared leadership with joint decision making as a central tenant can also enhance communication (Murray –Davis et al.,

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