ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the fact that health care is communication based. Consequently, the 250,000 U.S. deaths per year from medical errors—as well as the high stress and burnout rates for physicians and nurses—are all related in some way to interpersonal, team, and/or organizational communication issues. Furthermore, the negative impact of health literacy problems, not just on consumer–provider interactions, but on health outcomes, is explored. In addition, a new form of group communication, the Interdisciplinary Team, in palliative care is explored. This interdisciplinary communication focus seeks to provide the best quality of life possible for patients with chronic illnesses/injuries, as well as those with a terminal prognosis. In addition, following NASA’s lead, hospitals and professional education programs started using computer-enhanced simulations to improve their providers’/students’ clinical skills in a safe environment, but also their teamwork competencies. However, the chapter concludes that the current lack of effective health communication has resulted in a health care system that is economically driven and not meeting the needs (health outcomes/costs) for American consumers/taxpayers.
