What should healthcare professionals expect regarding communication?

Healthcare professionals should expect to accommodate patient preferences in communication. Effective communication in healthcare is essential for building rapport, ensuring understanding, and providing appropriate care. Different patients may have varying preferences for how they wish to receive and relay information—some may favor written communication, while others might prefer verbal exchanges or non-verbal cues. By tailoring communication styles to individual preferences, healthcare providers can enhance the patient experience, improve health literacy, and increase compliance with treatment plans.

Relying solely on written communication neglects the nuances of patient interactions and may not be effective for those who have difficulty reading or comprehending written material. Moreover, while non-verbal cues play a significant role in communication, they should complement other forms of communication rather than be the primary means. Emphasizing only verbal communication overlooks the diversity of patient needs and can hinder effective interaction. Therefore, accommodating patient preferences is key to creating a supportive and effective communication environment.