Enhancing Communication in Healthcare Settings: A Report

Desklib provides past papers and solved assignments. This report analyzes communication issues in UK healthcare.

Fundamentals of Evidence based practice

Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................... 3
LO1.................................................................................................................................. 4
LO2:................................................................................................................................. 7
LO3:............................................................................................................................... 12
LO4:............................................................................................................................... 16
Conclusion..................................................................................................................... 17
Reference List................................................................................................................ 18
Appendix........................................................................................................................ 22

Introduction
The particular study shall be focusing upon the various aspects of communications
issues that are subjected upon the health and social care organizations. An elaborate
discussion shall be provided based on the implications of literature review projecting the
scope of the particular study. Ramsay Health Care, UK is one of the major health care
organizations that exist within the national premises of UK, where various aspects
associated with communications issues are included in the particular study.

LO1
Research is a term used when conducting a systematic investigation and collection any
formal data, information and facts for advancement of own knowledge and
understanding (Woosley, 2013). There are various ways by which our knowledge can
increase, which includes reading books, carrying out research on the internet, read a
journal articles, going to a museum and consulting a dictionary (Delio et al. 2018). The
purpose of conducting research as a healthcare professional is to enhance and extend
development and construction of new knowledge (Woosley, 2013). Moreover, different
processes identified as methods for conducting effective research are identifying a
research problem/ research topic, literature review, specifying a purpose and research
question, collecting either qualitative or quantitative data, analyzing and interpreting
qualitative or quantitative data, reporting findings, and evaluating research (Balakumar
et al. 2013).
Without research, knowledge would have been limited and healthcare professionals
would still base health care provision on outdated practices and this can be detrimental.
Therefore, up-to-date evidence-based research and findings are crucial in decision-
making in healthcare delivery.
Evidence-based practice refers to conscientious application of current and latest
evidence in clinical practices (Hoffman et al. 2013). Implementation of evidence-based
practices will fill gaps in knowledge, lead to an overall improvement in patients’ safety
and improve quality of care (Hoffman et al. 2013).
Different skills are essential to conduct literature reviews in health and social care. For
example, Information technology (IT) skills including Microsoft office, spreadsheets,
Power Point, Email, Microsoft word, Web and social media, graphic and writing skills.
These are needed in researches, data analysis presentation and publication of the
research.
Some of other skills and abilities include sufficient planning. According to Serrador
(2012), planning is about setting goals, objectives and by failing to prepare would result
to unsuccessful outcome. Consequently, for literature review to take place planning will
commence either by thinking of what topic to research for, why the research is needed,
what is the time frame to complete the research, where and how to carry out the
research either by using the internet, going to the library to borrow books, reading
journals and making use of other sources.
Scheduling is another skill requiring a decision on which task or activities to carry out
first (Larco et al. 2018). This skill can ensure literature review process is arranged in
order to optimize workload thereby performing task one after another in order of
importance.
Independent working is an ability to conduct literature review in a self-reliant capacity.
However, as a student, it is imperative to seek help and support when necessary.

Effective communication including both open and honest communication about the task
at hand is essential. Hasanaj and Manxhari (2017) assert that communication are
effective when different styles or methods of communicating are used during
communication. Therefore, to conduct a literature review, the researcher must be prolific
in writing techniques and command of English. Also, presentation of facts and key
findings must be analytical and critical. Defazio et al. (2010) argued that “majority of
students have failed to possess relevant skills necessary to adequately communicate in
a written format that will enable them to become successful upon graduation”. Hence,
there is a need for students at all levels to understand the importance of good writing
skills while paying close attention to details.
One of my skills in being able to conduct a literature review in health and social care
towards evidence-based practice is the ability to define the topic. Defining the topic
ensures it is not too broad when researching on the internet. The ability to define
chosen topic has always prompted me into setting goals and realistic plans. As a result,
breaking task into smaller chunks down into smaller pieces so they are performed
orderly. However, inadequate planning and scheduling can affect the process of
literature reviews.
Another skills and knowledge is the ability to use search engine to obtain information
from different types academicals databases and search engines. Grewal et al. (2016)
has listed PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and Google as some of the
web-based method used in searching for literatures. These electronic search engines
help in identifying materials that describe the research topic (Johnson, 2012).
Nonetheless, I still struggle with the Boolean operators. Boolean operators consists of
the AND, OR and NOT(Grewal et al. 2016). I have continued to improve my knowledge
in using Boolean operators as this will fetch more relevant literatures during the
research. According to Grewal et al. (2016), typing ‘AND’ during research will produce
more articles, using ‘OR’ will widen the search also more articles that mention either
subject will become accessible. However, typing the term ‘NOT’ will fetch articles
containing the first word but not the second, thus narrowing the search. In literature
search filtering refines the search, for example, article types, text availability, language,
age, sex and journal categories.
Analyzing literatures improves my critical thinking. This is equally considered useful in
our everyday life because in so doing provides opportunity to gain a more deeper
understanding of their place in real life. However, I still need to learn different ways of
better analyzing pieces of literatures. This is because critical analysis of literatures and
understanding requires more than a quick read through (McGee, 2001).
Communicate skills is another access I got. Communication in research is paramount
because this process ensures the understanding of importance of communication in
everyday life. Through effective communication skills many interrelated factors are
explored appropriately thereby helping people to understand why certain factors are
interlinked. According to Houghton et al. (2009), the main purpose of communication in
research is to investigate and communicate phenomena that helps in accomplishing

goals. Therefore, effective communication and writing skills are necessary to prevent
miscommunication that could result to misunderstanding.
In health and social care, ethical researches are human related researches aimed at
improving the quality of health care experience. As a result, they involve critical
analyses of ethical issues arising in the research process. A research that follows all
ethical requirements is more likely to be given acceptability and credibility in any
scientific field (Tappen, 2016).
In order to effectively carry out an ethical research, the researcher has to be competent.
In other words, the researcher must know the needs to obtain consents from
participants. Obtaining an informed consent is one of the fundamental principles of
ethical research (Avasthi et al. 2013). It is an opportunity to educate participants about
the procedure, benefits and risks hence helping participants to decide whether to freely
volunteer or decline (Avasthi et al. 2013). This will add to the credibility of the research
as participant would not feel compelled and withhold relevant information.
Nijhawan et al. (2013) assert there can be issues such as false expectation between the
researchers and participants. It was asserted that after obtaining consent,
misunderstanding can still occur as some might fear they will be seen only as a mere
experimental model and due to historical evidences on trial fraud and misconduct some
may refuse to participate or without vital information (Nijhawan et al. 2013). This could
potentially impact the outcome of the research.
It is expected that in ethical research, researchers should maintain confidentiality of the
participants. This is because it is required for acquiring informed consent and
developing trust with participants (Crow et al. 2006). However, Kaiser (2009) argued
that discussion regarding confidentiality is rarely happening and once consent form is
signed, researchers seem to have poor method of handling confidentiality and data
usage.
Additionally, openness, beneficence, non-malfeasance, honesty, respect, integrity must
be of great importance in ethical research (Tappen, 2016). The researcher must be
opened and honest in the research process, there must be respect of the integrity of the
participant and their right to withdraw at any time must be respected. When these are
done, the participants are more likely to give out all information that will lead to the
credibility and reliability of the research outcome. Hence (Parahoo, 2014) argues that
any scientific research that lacks ethical robustness cannot be said to be valid and
reliable for implementation in health and social care (Parahoo, 2014). Ethical research
requires well-defined objectives and when human beings are involved, all ethical
requirements must be complied with (Parahoo, 2014).

LO2:
Different types of Communication in health care facilities
Communication in healthcare is one of the most important components through which a
better and efficient process in health care facilities can be achieved. In order to achieve
better result in health care facilities, caregivers acquire better communication processes
through which better practice can be introduced to healthcare facilities. According to
Foronda et al. (2016), a good communication practice in healthcare facilities needs five
things such as attending and listening, verbal and non verbal communication,
questioning to care users and caregivers and written communication. On the other
hand, Alhassan et al. (2015) opined that communication abilities are important and this
can be developed along with experience. In order to develop this, daily practice in
workplace is needed.
O’Halloran et al. (2015) opine that very often it is seen that people do not consider
‘listening' as the part of a communication process. In health care facilities, listening is
the key tool of communication, which can improve diagnosis and treatment functions.
According to Caswell et al. (2015), listening to care, users, provides opportunities to
care givers as care users often tell important things if caregivers listen to them properly.
Care provider generally acquires verbal and nonverbal communication in order to
identify challenges and they encourage care users to speak freely about their issues in
different aspects.
Contemporary society is embracing technology in every aspect of life and it is also
helping the health care facilities to achieve premium quality in care giving process.
There are different communication tools, which are being introduced by different health
care companies, and Language Tools are introducing revolutionary changes in health
care facilities. Caregivers and receivers from different lingual groups can have accurate
communication according to needs through these mobile application based
technologies. Stub et al. (2016), opine it technology has the key role to play to avail a
better communication in health care facilities.

Figure 1: Different Communication Processes
(Source: Created by Learner)
Issues because of improper communication in healthcare facilities
Healthcare facilities face a difficult situation regarding because of improper
communication. According to Vermeir et al. (2015), in different situations, it is seen that
care providers do not avail proper communication with each other. It is also mentioned
in a recent report that more than 30% of cases of malpractice are happening because of
improper communication in health care facilities in context of UK (forbes.com, 2017). On
the other hand, it is mentioned by Stanyon et al. (2016), hospitals in contemporary
competitive markets are not communicated with each other. This creates gaps in
knowledge among healthcare providers that restrict care providers to improve their
knowledge in different aspects.
According to Methley et al. (2015), there are different common problems in health care
facilities that arise because of improper communication in health care practice. Provider
to provider communication breakdown issues is seen regarding miscommunication
about condition of a patient, improper documentation and misreading records of care
users in different situations. On the contrary, Popovici et al. (2015) mentioned that
provider to patient communication breakdown causes more issues in healthcare
facilities. Care providers often cannot provide a proper response to complaint of care
users and inadequate medical education creates improper communication among care

providers and users. Language barrier is one of the most common factors that destroy
communication among care providers and users.
There are different reasons, which are introducing such issues in healthcare facilities. It
is seen that common factors such as a pressure of workload, Electronic Health Record
(EHR) failure and different culture in healthcare facilities are introducing such issues.
According to Alkureishi et al. (2016), these issues are not recognized in until they are
causing huge problems in healthcare facilities and this practice is needed to be
mitigated. Healthcare providers are using different contingency plans through which
such issues can be mitigated temporarily, which is increasing difficulties in health care
facilities regarding communication problems. On the other hand, other issues such as
policymaking and record keeping of care users introduce huge problems through which
care giving facilities are jeopardised.
Figure 2: Issues in healthcare facilities regarding communication
(Source: Created by Learner)
Factors that can improve communication in healthcare facilities
According to Elf et al. (2015), there are several factors and practices such as time
management in workplace can improve communication. It is important for healthcare
provider to understand the need of effective balance in workforce management through
which they can manage time in different purposes such as supervising care users and
acquiring knowledge regarding different needs of acre users in any given contexts.
MalpracticebecauseofcommunicationCommunicationbreakdownbetweenprovidersandrecieversWorkloadpresusre

Dowding et al. (2015) opine it, mandatory training program is essentially important
through which effective communication tools and processes can be introduced to
practices of health care providers. Specific skills regarding asking questions to care,
users, verifying and validating feelings and thoughts of care users and engagement in
empathetic listening are key aspects that are needed to be emphasised through training
process. On the other hand, Kim et al. (2015) mentioned that communication must be a
part of the culture of an organisation that can introduce positive behaviour regarding
communication in the organisation. There are other aspects such as survey regarding
patient satisfaction of care providers by which reasons behind improper environment in
the healthcare facility can be understood properly. Reformation of the organisation can
be done according to valuable information gained from surveys.
Literature gap
Surfing through existing literary sources introduced different attributes regarding
contemporary issues of this particular research work regarding communication issues in
healthcare facilities. It is seen through the process that common issues such as
improper verbal and nonverbal communication in workplace are seen. The main gap of
existing literature is that they are not focused on any particular field of work. On the
other hand, it is seen that contemporary situation in communication facilities have
changed from previous approaches which are missing in existing literature as they are
not carrying information regarding contemporary communication scenario of healthcare
facilities in UK.
Result of the literature
Through the progress of the literature review, important factors regarding
communication in healthcare facilities are mentioned which helped the research process
to acquire proper background knowledge regarding the contemporary communication
issues in healthcare facilities. In initial stage, a conceptual framework is given where
overall structure of the literature review is given properly. Common communication
facilities in health care facilities are introduced describing different situation in care
facilities. On the other hand, concepts of different eminent researchers regarding
mentioned matter are also highlighted to introduce more significance to the work. On
the other hand, issues in health care facilities are mentioned along with evidence from
different situations in healthcare system are given. These issues have different effects
on different organisational functions and contemporary research work is focused on
such communication issues in the healthcare facility. Last part of the literature review
has its own importance as different mitigating factors, which are introduced by different
healthcare facilities are vividly presented. Purpose of this current research work is to
highlight different factors through which communication process of Ramsey Health Care
UK can be improved properly.
Reliability and validity of research work
Evidence based literature review has huge importance in research work as it provides
opportunities to a researcher to acquire knowledge on the literary works of eminent
researcher regarding the topic of the research. Mentioned issues and communication

practices are important to highlight as it increases knowledge of a researcher. This
knowledge can improve the researcher to conduct the primary and secondary research.
Information in literature review are taken from relevant and reliable sources as peer-
reviewed journals and online articles are used in the process of making this literature
review.

LO3:
Benefits of evidence practices
Evidence based practice in a research work carries huge importance as it is a practice
where collection of data, processing and implementation of findings are properly done.
An evidence-based research has proper structure where first data collection process is
done. In this contemporary research work, both primary and secondary sources will be
acquired in order to avail data for this contemporary research work. It will provide
opportunities to the researcher by which data from both sources can be compared to
introduce accurate data. On the other hand, evidence-based research provides
opportunity regarding processing of result (Merriam and Grenier, 2019). Procession of
data is very important through which unimportant and biased data can be canceled out
in order to avail a successful result for the research work. In this contemporary research
work, findings and analysis of the result will be provided through charts and graphs by
which a vivid picture of the result of this research can be introduced properly.
Project Title
Communication skills in Practice: The influence of communication skills and
techniques on outcomes for service users in Ramsey Health Care UK
Aim and Objectives
Aim of this research work will be to identify different issues in communication process of
health and social facility and identify different mitigating factors to acquire a better
environment in healthcare facility.
Objectives of this research work will be:
 To identify different communication processes of Ramsey Health Care UK
 To analyse different issues in communication processes of Ramsey Health Care
UK
 To evaluate mitigating factors through which communication issues of the
organisation can be mitigated properly
Literature Review
Communication in health care facilities carries huge importance as improper
communication in healthcare facilities are introducing condition in care giving process. It
is opined by Johnston et al. (2015), there are several basic communication processes
that are being used by healthcare providers in order to manage the flow of work in the
workplace. Basic needs of communication is generally fulfilled by verbal and non-verbal
communication by which communication with care users are established and important
data regarding the mental and physical condition of care users are evaluated properly.
On the other hand, face-to-face communication is essentially important in workplace as
it identifies different issues of care users that clarify their needs properly.