Patient–Provider Communications

Research shows that the quality of the patient–provider relationship (Beach, Keruly, & Moore, 2006) and the communications between the patient and provider (Piette et al., 2003) influence a patient’s course of treatment and health outcomes. Unfortunately, there are many barriers to good communication in the patient–provider relationship. Health professionals debate about the best strategies for effective communication.

The initial steps of the Generalist Intervention Model support engagement and building of rapport between a patient and a social worker. Medical social workers are trained to be effective listeners and communicators. Given their unique skills, medical social workers are often called upon to support and navigate the relationships between patients and other providers on the health care team as advocates, liaisons, and mediators.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Consider patient–provider communications as an integral part of delivering social work services to patients. Review this week’s resources and think about how to deliver effective communications within the patient–provider relationship.

Post a description of the importance of patient–provider communication. Be sure to address the relationship between patient–provider communications and illness outcomes.

Identify a minimum of three factors that might lead to poor patient–provider communications. 

Provide your rationale. 

Explain the ways patient–provider communications might be improved. 

Then, explain the role culture plays in patient–provider communications. 

Finally, explain the roles of a social worker in assisting a patient to improve communications with other members of the health care team.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the resources and the current literature using appropriate APA format and style.

Resource

Gehlert, S., & Browne, T. (Eds.). (2019). Handbook of health social work (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Chapter 12, “Communication in Health Care” (pp. 250-271)

 Bomba, P. A., Morrissey, M. B., & Leven, D. C. (2011). Key role of social work in effective communication and conflict resolution process: Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) program in New York and shared medical decision making at the end of life. Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life & Palliative Care, 7(1), 56–82.