One of the major problems causing medication errors is ineffective
communication between patients and health personnel. This paper discusses
the communication issues in the healthcare environment and how
medication errors can be avoided through effective communication. An
internet-based search was conducted to locate relevant articles published
between 2004 and 2017. Only articles that touch upon communication and
health-related issues were selected. Online sources such as PubMed,
ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar were utilized. The importance of good
communication practices for effective health and improved patient safety in
hospital settings has been highlighted. It is evident from this review that
poor communication most frequent causes adverse effects, delay in
treatment, medication errors, and wrong-site surgery. The major
communication issues in healthcare environment include language barriers,
the medium of communication, physical setting, and social setting.
Healthcare workers tend to use technical language in the workplace because
they consider the tone of communication to be always professional. It has
been established that knowledge on professional-patient communication is
essential and valuable in improving therapeutic outcomes. Patients need
knowledge and support in order to be able and motivated to undergo
medicine therapy. Health practitioners need to take responsibility for
demanding and creating an environment where high-quality healthcare
counselling is routinely practiced. To promote safe and effective practice in hospitals and avoid medication errors, clinicians should adhere to teamwork
and effective communication with the patients. There is a need for designing
strategies such as effective communication and teamwork amongst
healthcare professionals, which can consequently influence the quality of
healthcare services and patient outcomes.