(Oak Brook, Ill. - December 12, 2007) Inadequate communication is often cited as a factor in poor patient outcomes and adverse events. In a Blink: Awareness, Assessment, and Adapting to Patient Communication Needs, a new book from Joint Commission Resources (JCR) by surgeon and leadership expert Michael S. Woods, M.D., discusses the importance of effective communication-among health care providers, and between health care providers and patients-in patient safety. JCR is a not-for-profit affiliate of The Joint Commission.
Dr. Woods, who is known for his work related to the power of apology and disclosure of health care errors, uses this new book to examine the "DUN" factor - that is, that life is Dynamic, Unpredictable, and Non-linear - and how that affects human communication. In a Blink: Awareness, Assessment, and Adapting to Patient Communication Needs also explores the various factors in effective communication - gender, culture/ethnicity, literacy, socioeconomics, time/urgency, and personality/behavior - and provides strategies to address these challenges to improve health care provider and patient communication. This essential patient safety reference guide highlights critical variables that affect the ability to effectively communicate with and understand others. It also emphasizes that communication is not amenable to a formulaic approach.
"Civility in health care begins with effective communication, driven by respect and empathy for the patient. The ability to assess and adapt to situations provides a strong advantage in the quest for quality outcomes and patient care," says Woods.
In a Blink: Awareness, Assessment, and Adapting to Patient Communication Needs is available for $35 using order code PSC07SJ. To order, call JCR Customer Service toll-free at 877.223.6866, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, weekdays, or visit http://www.jcrinc.com/.