Understanding Communication Issues in Health and Social Care
"The biggest communication problem is we do not listen to understand. We listen to reply." – Stephen R. Covey
👋 Welcome to Our Blog!
This blog is a collaborative space where we explore real communication challenges in the world of health and social care. Whether you're a nurse, social worker, support worker, student, or caregiver, communication plays a central role in everything you do — from delivering care, to offering emotional support, to coordinating with professionals.
We created this blog to share our personal experiences, raise awareness, and reflect on how communication impacts people’s lives — especially in care settings where clarity, empathy, and trust are essential.
💬 Why This Topic?
In health and social care, poor communication can lead to:
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Misunderstandings between professionals and patients;
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Delayed or inappropriate care;
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Emotional distress or lack of trust;
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Conflicts between team members or between staff and families.
We often hear about communication training — but what happens on the ground, in real life? That’s what we’re here to explore.
🧑⚕️ Who Are We?
We are a group of learners and practitioners from different backgrounds in the health and social care sector. Each of us will post 3 short articles, reflecting on:
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Professional experiences (from work or practice);
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Personal stories (either giving or receiving care);
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Thoughts and ideas about how communication can be improved.
We also invite comments and discussions, so feel free to share your perspective at the end of each post!
Communication is absolutely vital in every aspect of life, but in healthcare, it can be a matter of life and death. Effective communication ensures that patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, and care plans, while also helping healthcare providers fully understand a patient’s needs, concerns, and symptoms.
ReplyDeleteFrom a personal perspective, let me explain how important communication became clear to me during a hospital visit, especially when I faced language barriers.
When I was in the hospital, I struggled to express myself clearly. English isn’t my first language, and in a medical setting where stress and unfamiliar terms make everything harder, I found it difficult to explain how I felt. I could see the frustration on both sides — mine and the medical staff’s. That was until one doctor did something that surprised me.
Instead of continuing to speak quickly or using medical jargon, the doctor slowed down and started using Makaton — a communication system that uses simple signs, symbols, and speech together. At first, I didn’t even realize it was a formal method. I just noticed that the doctor was pointing to things, using gestures, and matching the signs with calm, clear speech.
For example, when they asked me about pain, they used a simple sign — placing their hand over their body and making a motion that showed “hurt.” They also pointed to pictures showing different pain levels. It clicked immediately. I could respond more easily using gestures and nods, and I felt more relaxed knowing I was being understood without needing perfect English.
That small act — the use of Makaton — made a huge difference. It made me feel human again, not just like a patient lost in translation. It helped me trust the doctor more because they took the time to meet me where I was. I felt seen and respected.
In that moment, communication wasn’t just about language. It was about connection, understanding, and empathy. It showed me that the best healthcare doesn’t just treat the body — it reaches the person, no matter the barriers.
Thank you for sharing your personal and profound experience about the importance of communication in healthcare, eloquently highlighting the positive impact of using Makaton. We'd love to hear other perspectives as well: how have you experienced the importance of effective communication in key moments?
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