The Essential Role of Communication in Healthcare: What You Need to Know

Health communication is a critical component of healthcare, as it helps to ensure patient safety and inform individuals about their health. The CDC and the National Cancer Institute define it as “the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence individual decisions that improve health.” To achieve this, healthcare professionals must be knowledgeable in a range of communication tools, techniques, and strategies. Generally, there are four approaches to health communication. These include utilizing cutting-edge communication tools, such as video chats, to discuss health issues; equipping the public with skills, tools, and information to respond appropriately to health and risk problems; creating communication campaigns on health and social marketing; and understanding nonverbal communication when providing health advice or education.

In addition, healthcare professionals must be proficient in many technical communication skills, such as writing, document design, editing, and social media strategies. Self-awareness is also essential for health workers who provide health education, as they must continually engage in a process of self-reflection. Understanding evidence-based communication strategies and best health practices can help streamline behavior change initiatives for public health. Those interested in pursuing a career in health communication can take classes focusing on community health, environmental health, epidemiology, health behavior, health service delivery, medical terminology, public health policies, research methods, risk communication, and trends in the field. Graduates of Regis College's online Master of Health Management program are equipped with the skills needed to become successful leaders in a variety of health professions. Health communication is an indispensable part of healthcare that helps to ensure patient safety and inform individuals about their health.

Healthcare professionals must be familiar with a variety of communication tools, techniques, and strategies in order to effectively communicate with patients and other healthcare providers.