Professional Communication

Question 1

Describe the variables which impact assertive communication

Answer 1

Hierarchy 
Trust 
Self disclosure
Empathy
Mutuality
Context

Question 2

Discuss the applications of structured communication tools EG. SBAR

Answer 2

SBAR Standardized communication tool-report to a physician about a critical situation

May be used whenever reporting on a patients condition to another HCP

Situation:
Background
Assessment
Recommendation

Question 3

Discuss the impact of communication in health care on patient safety

Answer 3

Poor communication
-Is costly

• can cause heartbreak, pain and suffering for patients and their families
• identified as the primary factor in both medical malpractice claims
• Primary factor in patient safety violations including errors resulting in patient death

Question 4

What is DESC and CARE

Answer 4

Describe the behavior, focus on what you see or hear that bothers you without launching a personal attack.
Be succinct, don’t ramble on

Explain the impact of the behavior. Be honest, glossing over the impact will not lead to lasting change

State the desired outcome.
If change doesn’t occur or is short lived, use the next step

Consequences
If you continue…we will need to…

CARE
Clarify the problem behavior

Articulate why the behavior is a problem

Request a change in the person’s behavior

Encourage this behavior by stating positive consequences for that particular change