Communication is something we all do every day, whether we realize it or not. But what is
communication in simple words? Communication is the foundation of human interaction,
enabling us to connect, share ideas, and build relationships. At its core, communication is the
process of exchanging information through various means, whether it's through spoken or
written words, body language, or even digital messages. It plays a crucial role in everyday
life, influencing everything from personal relationships to professional collaborations.
Effective communication not only helps us express our thoughts, feelings and emotions, but
also promotes understanding, cooperation, and growth in both personal and social contexts.
Without it, it would be nearly impossible to deal with the complexities of life.
Communication
Communication is the expression of information, ideas, thoughts, and feelings among two or
more persons. It involves sending as well as receiving a message in a clear manner so that
both parties can understand. Communication can be verbal (using spoken or written words),
nonverbal (using body language, gestures, or facial expressions), or a we can say combination
of both. Communication is essential for understanding others and being understood. Effective
communication requires that both parties understand the message and its intended meaning.
The word "communication" is derived from the Latin term "communicare," which means "to
share" or "to make common." This easily hints at the fact that sharing something among
people or parties, in one sense, is what communication is about.
By the 14th century, the term had begun to appear in the English language, initially defined as
the act of providing or exchanging information. In time, this definition has grown to include
the exchange of information, ideas, and thoughts conveyed through various modes-of-communication, such as verbal, and aural situations, like nonverbal signals and
cues. Even so, although the original meaning is still focused on the sharing process, the
concept in modern usage can be much more involved than that.
Communication Barrier
The communication barrier is a hindrance or any obstacle that prevents the easy, smooth
information exchange process between individuals or groups. The probable causes include
such distortions or blockages of the message that means mistaken impressions or confusion
arise or communication completely breaks down. They can be physical, psychological,
linguistic, or cultural, and can occur at any stage of the communication process — from the
sender, the message itself, to the receiver.
Communication barriers arise in both personal and professional situations, making it difficult
to share ideas, thoughts, or feelings. Understanding these barriers is important because it
helps individuals recognize potential issues and take steps to address or avoid them, ensuring
that communication remains smooth and effective.
Origin of Communication Barriers
Understanding the origins of communication barriers is crucial for identifying and addressing
the root causes of miscommunication. The exact origin of communication barriers is difficult
to pinpoint as it's a complex phenomenon that has likely existed since the dawn of human
interaction. However, the origin of communication barriers can be traced back to various
sources that have evolved over time due to human nature, societal development, and
technological advancements. Communication barriers arise from differences in language,
culture, personal experiences, emotional states, and environmental factors.
Communication Barriers in Healthcare
Healthcare communication barriers are barriers or obstacles that prevent or disrupt clear and
effective communication among healthcare providers and patients or among medical professionals. These barriers can lead to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, poor patient care,
decreased patient satisfaction, and even medical errors, making it crucial to address them in
healthcare settings.
COMMUNICATION AND IT’S PROCESS
Before we begin to communication barrier in healthcare, first of all have to know the process
of communication.
The process of communication includes the following steps:
a. Sender: It starts with a sender who has a message or information to share.
b. Message: The sender changes their thoughts or ideas into a message which can be
interpreted by the receiver. It involves selecting appropriate words, gestures, or other
symbols to communicate the intended meaning.
c. Encoding: The message which originated from the sender is encoded into symbolic
form like words, pictures, gestures, etc., before it is sent.
d. Medium/ Channel: The encoded message is then transmitted through some medium
or channel including speech, text, email, and in some cases, body language. The
choice to select medium or channel depends on the sender.
e. Decoding: It is the process of converting the symbols encoded by the sender.
f. Receiver: The receiver decodes the message and gives meaning to it according to his
knowledge, experience, and his cultural background.
g. Feedback: The receiver feeds back to the sender's message, either through words,
non-verbal or through acts. This feedback may be used in affirmation, seeking
clarification of what has been communicated, or simply as additional information.
Sometimes, noise, language differences, or emotional states create a barrier that dislocates
this process, causing the miscommunication. For communication to be effective, it is
essential that both parties are alert to the process and also pay attention to clarity throughout
the communication.
OBSTACLES TO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
AND PATIENTS.
Communication barriers have far-reaching effects on patient care and healthcare outcomes as
well as the overall effectiveness of a healthcare system. There are many possible sources of
such barriers and impacts many aspects of the practice of medicine, so their scope is both
broad and deep.
i) Patient and Provider Interactions: Direct interactions between healthcare providers
and patients are the most obvious and immediate scope of the effects of
communication barriers. These include explanation of diagnoses, treatment, and
follow-up care instructions. Poor communication leads to a failure to understand the
diagnosis or treatment measures, thus giving rise to errors in medication, failure to
adhere to a structured course of treatment, and delayed recovery. Additionally, it
creates a scenario where patients become confused and anxious or dissatisfied with
their care.
ii) Multidisciplinary Healthcare Teams: Modern healthcare is often represented by a team of professional, experienced practitioners who make up a team that includes doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and others. Without good communication, the interdisciplinary healthcare teams are likely to present fragmented care, duplicated effort, or even medical error. Poor inter-professional communication can compromise the safety of patients, notably when the situation is complex or an emergency is required.
iii) Health Literacy: Healthcare communication is significantly dependent on health
literacy. People with reduced levels of health literacy find it difficult to grasp medical
jargon or comprehend instructions, or the significance of certain treatments. Lower
health literacy levels may lead to unsatisfactory health outcomes because people may
misunderstand medical recommendations, omit medications, or further delay
receiving care. It also hampers healthcare providers' services by having to figure out a
method of communicating intricate information so it is easily accessible.
iv) Cross-Cultural Healthcare Settings: Cultural diversity in healthcare settings adds
another layer of communication complexity. The patients and providers come from
different cultural backgrounds and, consequently, will always differ in expectations,
communication styles, and trusting other people. Cultural barriers can further lead to
misinterpretation of symptoms, views on medical interventions, or reluctance to seek
treatment. It also impacts how patients understand and adhere to medical advice.
v) Technological Interactions: Technology is increasingly being used for
communication in healthcare, from telemedicine appointments to electronic health
records (EHR). However, not all patients are comfortable or proficient with such
technologies. Technological barriers may exclude some patients from receiving timely
care or accessing their medical information. Patients who are unfamiliar with digital
tools may struggle with telemedicine or online patient portals, which may create gaps
in communication.
vi) Patient Satisfaction and Healthcare Experience: Clear communication is an
important component of patient satisfaction. When patients are heard and understood,
they tend to trust their providers and comply with the recommended treatment and
consequently have a positive healthcare experience. Whenever communication
barriers exist, patients are bound to be dissatisfied. This, in turn affects a healthcare
provider's reputation, reduces patient retention, and results in poor long-term health
outcome among patients.
Types of Communication Barriers in Healthcare
In healthcare, effective communication is essential to delivering quality care. However,
various barriers can hinder clear communication between healthcare providers and patients,
leading to misunderstandings and adverse outcomes.
The most common types of Communication Barriers in Healthcare mentioned below:
a. Language Barriers: The main communication challenges occur whenever patients
and healthcare providers speak different languages. Patients speaking a different
language may not understand medical terms such as diagnoses or treatment plans.
Miscommunication resulting from language barriers can lead to improper treatments,
misunderstanding of medical instruction, or elevation of anxiousness in patients.
b. Cultural Differences: Cultural differences impact how individuals communicate,
describe pain, and relate to healthcare. Patients vary depending on their cultural
backgrounds, beliefs in regards to an illness, or treatment. In relation to healthcare
providers, there might be mistrust, refusal to disclose personal information, or
unwillingness to comply with the recommendations of the health provider.
c. Physical Barriers: Noise and distractions, background noises and interruptions, do
obstruct effective communication in Physical Barrier. Environmental distractions lead
to missed information, reduced patient satisfaction, and strained interactions between
healthcare providers and patients.
d. Barriers to Health Literacy: Health literacy refers to a patient's ability to understand
everyday health information and services. Low health literacy makes it harder for
patients to understand instructions given in the course of treatment, some types of
treatment, and implications of their conditions. Patients with low health literacy might
not understand how to take care of themselves, read and understand medication
prescription instructions, or recognize early signs of any symptom.
e. Psychosocial Barriers: Psychological and emotional barriers such as fear,
apprehension, or embarrassment can prevent patients from fully communicating symptoms or concerns. Any serious psychological condition, like depression or
dementia, may affect the patient's communication skills. Psychological barriers can
prevent these patients from asking the most critical questions or participating in their
treatment properly, causing misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment.
f. Technological Barriers: Technology can be a facilitator, but it can also act as a
barrier to communication, especially for patients who do not know how to use digital
media. Seniors or those belonging to low socioeconomic groups may not navigate the
telemedicine process, and even less likely the health care portal through which the
services are provided. Often, frustration or confusion prevents them from seeking care
or understanding health-related information.
g. Medical Words Barrier: You may be comfortable using medical terms such as
"hypertension" and "CBC" because you probably learned these terms during your
education and training. But what about the patients who do not know what these
medical words mean and may struggle with them.
h. Disabilities and other challenges: Some patients have disabilities and other
challenges that prevent them from talking about health issues. They might be disabled
in seeing, in hearing, in speaking, in reading, or in thinking.