ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a foundation for common courtesy and good practice that should be part of professional and personal lives. Integral to, and at the centre of all the professionals' actions, is effective communication with the individual, family and carers. Communication can be sub divided in to seven parts. They are individual, family and carers, junior team, peers, intra–disciplinary team, interdisciplinary team, middle management, and senior management. The individual, family and carers are central in any care environment. Every action, act or omission, from the junior member to the most senior manager, impacts on these individuals. Ineffective communication makes the treatment and intervention experience devastating and destructive. The chapter reflects on a small number of examples of poor and effective communication. No professional wants the individual, family or carers to suffer as a consequence of his or her inaction – yet it risk this every day through poor communication.
