ABSTRACT
To be ethically competent one must communicate effectively and efficiently with all those he/she comes into contact with in his/her daily lives. Effective communication can reduce the level of stress and burnout experienced by the professional. This chapter provides a foundation for common courtesy and good practice that should be part of professional and personal lives. Communication can be subdivided into seven parts: individual, family and carers; junior team; peers; intra-disciplinary team; inter-disciplinary team; middle management; and senior management. Each person individually experiences the negative consequence of ineffective communication. Therefore, effective communication is like the ripples in a pond, flowing effortlessly between each part. 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.
