Components of Effective Communication Framework

Question: Describe about the Components of Effective Communication Framework. Answer: Abstract: This paper presents the key components of strategic communication framework that initiate effective and respectful communication with the Aboriginal communities regarding effective health care service delivery. The paper articulates the commonalities across indigenous interaction with health care providers, cultural behavior, and health communication. It thus consolidates research findings and contemporary literature and presents the perspectives within multicultural community health work for the aged care. Health literacy has been internationally, nationally, and locally recognized as an essential factor influencing the safety and quality of healthcare provision among the indigenous communities. As a result, effective communication among the indigenous communities requires dissemination of timely and accurate information that meets the needs of the audience, support actions towards information delivery, use of appropriate channel of communication, and a suitable environment that can promote openness in communicating health information. Introduction Health communication is defined as the mass or interpersonal communication activities that aim at ensuring the improved health of individuals (Mitic, Rootman, 2012). Effective and respectful health communication is vital in the process of providing health care services to the indigenous communities. Engaging in respectful and effective communication is vital in the process of delivering health services to the indigenous communities (Pleasant, McKinney, Rikard, 2011). (Vass, 2011 and Todd, 2011). Health literacy has been internationally, nationally, and locally recognized as an essential factor influencing the safety and quality of healthcare provision among the indigenous communities. In their study on the effective healthcare provision among the indigenous communities, Andrulis and Brach (2012) points out that effective and respectful communication is an essential factor in the process of understanding the illiteracy and health requirement among the communities. However, there is a considerable concern on how different individuals conceptualize the need for effective communication in healthcare provision among such communities (Zarcadoolas, Pleasant, Greer, 2012). Linguistic and cultural diversity causes further complexity and thus requires a high degree of healthcare frameworks (Lowell et al., 2012). The aim of strategic communication framework Given the diverse indigenous population, language and culture are crucial components of responsive and effective healthcare provision. They influence not only the consumption level but also accommodate the needs of the healthcare service consumers (Zarcadoolas, 2011). It is for this reason that cultural competency, strategic communication competence, and cultural competence requires being systematically addressed at the international, national, and community level to ensure healthcare that can respond to the diverse needs of the indigenous communities. In his study, Elson (2011) points out that the competencies and frameworks cannot be met effectively without proper communication with the indigenous communities. His idea is supported by Berkma et al. (2011) who point out that effectiveness in communication is vital for; Understanding the relationship between cultural security, cultural competency, health literacy, and health communication. Analyzing the implications of linguistic and cultural diversity for addressing the health care challenges affecting indigenous communities. Adopting universal precaution approaches that can effectively meet the diverse health needs of the indigenous communities rather than focusing on the limitations of the communities towards better healthcare provision. Measuring of health literacy encompassing the literacy in health service provision and a healthy environment. The integration of communication, health literacy, and cultural competence in reflecting the extension of interrelation so as to enable appropriate actions in all the levels of healthcare. Components of strategic communication framework With the indigenous communities as the target audience, there is a need for developing an effective communication framework that can specifically gather and meet the needs of both the healthcare professionals and the communities. According to Elson (2011), an effective communication framework thus involves four major components. These are an appropriate channel of communication, environment, accuracy and time of information, and individual or group action facilitated by the communication as summarized in figure 1. Figure 1: A model showing the components of an effective strategic communication framework The major purpose of effective communication in the process of healthcare provision among the indigenous communities is to promote healthy behavior change and good treatment outcomes among the communities. It is equally true for the clinical nurses who have the responsibility for ensuring effective delivery of health services to different age groups and among communities with different cultures (Pleasant, McKinney, Rikard, 2011). A strategic communication framework thus requires the four key components: Dissemination of timely and accurate information that meets the needs of the audience It is a key component of the flow of information between the nurses and the audience. The information given needs to be evidence based, delivered at the right moment of decision making, and relevant to both the nurse and the patient on their immediate perceived needs. The key message from either the nurse or the patient plays a vital role in gaining each others attention of as it promotes a dialogue for prompt action. The patient is thus able to effectively express his health conditions as the nurse advises effectively on the relevant method of treatment that is appropriate to the condition of the patient. Use of appropriate channel of communication Indigenous communities tend to be affected by differences in language and culture in the process of interaction. Using the right channel of communication is necessary to promote the effectiveness of the communication process as it promotes the attention of the audience. Engaging in a two-way communicating with the patient is necessary especially for patients who are at their old age and cannot speak for themselves. It helps in strengthening the impact of the message and hence enables the adoption of the message with time. In the attempt of using the right channel of communication, a common language as well as a standardized approach is crucial especially in the event of sharing critical information. Cormack (2011) points out that a standardized approach and a common language normalizes and organizes communication hence ensuring greater understanding as a result of the cultural differences that characterizes the indigenous communities. Support actions of response towards information delivery A strategic communication channel in the clinical sector will result in an action that can either be positive or negative depending on the type of information delivered (Ishikawa Takahiro, 2010). For instance, a good counseling process towards living with HIV/AIDS will motivate the patient towards living positively with the disease while carrying out the normal daily activities. Such a patient will adopt good nutrition, exercise regularly, and monitor other health related issues that would motivate him to live a longer life (Mitic, Rootman, 2012). However, poor communication during counseling has been reported to have resulted in the sudden death of patients as a result of shock and frustration, among other reasons (Rubin et al., 2011). Face-to-face is the most effective way of ensuring proper healthcare delivery as it gives the opportunity for verification and questioning between the nurse and the patients. Environment for change Communication for health care related information requires a good environment that will motivate a confidential conversation between the client and the medical professional in charge. It is thus vital to set a conducive environment that will promote both open public communication as well as private communication between the individuals. For instance, some health complications like cancer, sexually related infections, and other chronic health issues require a private conversation time that motivates the patient to give sufficient information concerning his or her experience with the infection. Requirements for effective communication Promoting effective and respectful communication framework components among the indigenous communities, there are some issues that need to be maintained while embedding some gaps in communication. For instance, there is need of addressing the social determinants and inequities of health that are pivotal to health improvement strategies. Communication thus needs to focus on the emotional and social wellbeing of the indigenous communities that impact their health services in general according to Rubin et al. (2011). Effective communication thus requires adopting a comprehensive approach that targets at solving the health inequalities and improvement in health systems. Poor communication between nurses and indigenous patients can lead to wrong treatment information, an increase in complaints by patients, delay in diagnosis of life-threatening events, increased periods of treatment and health care expenditure among other challenges (Cormack, 2011). Effective communication is the mediator in the process of interaction between the health outcomes and health literacy as pointed out by Ishikawa and Takahiro (2010). Most of the health communication is always done orally in the process of giving out health information between the patient and health care providers. Effective and respectful communication thus requires the ability to speak, listen, and negotiate at different dimensions (Andrulis, Brach, 2012). For instance, getting health information from the aged or the elderly is essential so as to understand their health requirements. Getting such valuable information requires effective and respectful communication that will motivate such patients to open up so as to initiate effective decision-making Pleasant, McKinney, and Rikard (2011). Communication is thus important in interpreting the message delivered and thus involves power relationship, respect, trust, style of communication protocol, and communication process language. However, indigenous communities require cultural and conceptual knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes that affect their level of interaction with different health professionals. Strategic communication framework hence requires different attributes that will lead to effective healthcare provision among indigenous communities (Sudore, 2009). Challenges of ineffective communication Effective healthcare practices among the aboriginal communities involve many instances where clinical and health information needs to communicate accurately (NielsenB, Panzer, 2014). Ineffective communication thus puts the health of the patient at risk as a result of information misinterpretation, unclear orders, overlooked status change, lack of the critical information among other challenges (Lowell et al., 2012). Improper communication in the process of health care provision can also lead to medical errors which have a great potential of causing injuries or even unexpected death of patients. Nutbeam (2010) in his study notes that medical errors especially due to the failure of respectful and effective communication are pervasive challenges in health care provision among indigenous communities. Effectively communicating with marginalized groups like the indigenous communities is particularly difficult. As pointed out by Mitic and Rootman (2012), such communities may not have the desire or capacity of engaging other people in free communication despite the possibility of the existence of practical barriers like language and culture. The nursing providers may hence need to invest their time and resources to build the capacity of such vulnerable communities so as to initiate communication and engagement within households, families, and community levels. As a result, considerable times is also required to build long lasting and trusted relationships that can promote free communication that will make the health care service delivery more effective. Appropriate strategies for communication and engagement also vary with the special scale depending on the depth and breadth of communication which are as well key considerations to achieve effective communication results (Pleasant, Mc Kinney, Rikard, 2011). Conclusion Communication process requires the use of the right channel that would promote timely and accurate information as well as in an effective environment. Adopting the right strategic communication components hence promotes understanding and clarity that is vital in the process of healthcare service delivery within the indigenous communities. These communities are characterized by cultural and linguistic differences that need to be addressed so as to meet the needs and health requirements of such communities. A nurse that offers health care services among indigenous communities hence needs to adapt tactical and strategic channels that will promote patients of all age groups to communicate freely on issues concerning their health. Nurses thus need to become smarter in ensuring that their communication skills are strategized into a pre-planned event in an effective communication plan depending on the type of patients and the information to be delivered or received. Nurses also need to educ ate community health workers who are their counterparts so that they can also be equipped with the skills to update and consult events in the event that the attention of the nurses is needed while they are not reachable Lesson plan Introduction Successful health care provision for the indigenous communities relies on effective communication between the nurse and the clients. It is thus essential to a healthy society and can leas of confusion and misunderstanding when not framed correctly. It is hence vital for a nurse to strategize on how to communicate with the indigenous individuals despite the difference that exist in culture and language. Developing an effective strategic communication framework is hence an art that is hence necessary for every student in the clinical sector to understand. Key concepts Cultural and professional knowledge and safe skills of communication among indigenous communities Effective communication The cultural concept of the indigenous communities towards healthcare provision Language objectives; the learners will be able to Understanding the general concept of effective communication in the clinical setting Requirements of effective communication skills Discussing the culturally safe communication strategies that are acceptable within the indigenous communities. Examining the significance of respectful and effective communication Content objectives; the learners will be able to Describe diseases and conditions having essential importance for the indigenous communities Discuss how the health decision and behavior of the indigenous communities are affected by their family structure and social relationships as it is a major determinant of effective communication. Discuss the difference between the empowering approach and paternalistic approach to delivery of healthcare services and how they can influence the outcome of effective communication. Mode of presentation Use of power point presentation slides Discussions Questions and answers Target audience The target audience for the presentation of the concepts of strategic communication framework will be, nursing students, doctors, and clinical officers among other medical practitioners in the clinical setting dealing with healthcare provision amongst the indigenous communities. The audience will also include the community health workers who in many cases help in linking the community and the nurses offering the medical service in the community level. Managing the audience Depending on the number of participants, the audience will be divided into groups of 20 people where each group will have the presentation as the lesson objectives will only be effectively achieved with a small number of people. It thus means that the presentations will e done in slots if the number of participants is more than one group. Presentation of the slides There will be a discussion and explanation of the ideas presented in every slide so as to motive clear understanding of the points presented. References Andrulis, D. P., Brach, C. (2012). Integrating Literacy, Culture, and Language to Improve Health Care Quality for Diverse Populations. American Journal of Health Behaviour, 31(Suppl 1), 122-133. Begoray, D. L., Kwan, B. (2012). A Canadian exploratory study to define a measure of health literacy. [Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't]. Health Promot Int, 27(1), 23-32. Berkman, N. D., Sheridan, S. L., Donahue, K. E., Halpern, D. J., Viera, A., Crotty, K. Harden, E. (2011). Health literacy interventions and outcomes: An updated systematic review. Cormack, L. (2010). Framework concepts of effective communition: What Is It? Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives 15(S2), 9-19. Dunn, S. (2012). Indigenous consumer concerns about communication related to chronic disease in one remote region of Australia. International Journal of SpeechLanguage Pathology, 14(3), 200-208. Elson D (2011). A framework to support clinical communication. Safe hand-over: safe care. Midwives.;10(11):508-9, Retrieved from https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/implementation-toolkit-resource-portal/resources/simple-solution-development/SHARED%20Resource%20Guide.pdf Ishikawa, H., Takahiro, K. (2010). Health literacy and health communication. BioPshychoSocial Medicine, 4(18). Retrieved from https://www.bpsmedicine.com Lowell, A., Mayilama, E., Yikaniwuy, S., Rrapa, E., Williams, R., Dunn, S. (2012). "Hiding the story": Indigenous consumer concerns about communication related to chronic disease in one remote region of Australia. International Journal of SpeechLanguage Pathology, 14(3), 200-208. Mitic, W., Rootman, I. (2012). An intersectoral approach for improving health literacy for Canadians. A discussion paper: Public Health Association of British Columbia. NielsenB, L., Panzer, A. M. (2014). Health literacy: a prescription to end confusion: National Academy Press Nutbeam, D. (2010). Health literacy as a public health goal: a challenge for contemporary health education and communication strategies into the 21st century. Health Promotion International, 15(3), 259-267. doi: 10.1093/heapro/15.3.259 Orlow, M. K. (2012). Health Literacy and the Disenfranchised: The Importance of Collaboration Between Limited English Proficiency and Health Literacy Researchers. J Health Commun, 17(sup3), 7-12. doi: 10.1080/10810730.2012.712627 Pleasant, A., McKinney, J., Rikard, R. V. (2011). Health Literacy Measurement: A Proposed Research Agenda. Journal of Health Communication: International Perspectives, 16(sup3), 11-21. Rubin, D. L., Parmer, J., Freimuth, V., Kaley, T., Okundaye, M. (2011). Associations Between Older Adults' Spoken Interactive Health Literacy and Selected Health Care and Health Communication Outcomes. Journal of Health Communication, 16(sup3), 191-204. Sudore, R. L., Landefeld, C. S., Prez-Stable, E. J., Bibbins-Domingo, K., Williams, B. A., Schillinger, D. (2009). Unraveling the relationship between literacy, language proficiency, and patientphysician communication. Patient Educ Couns, 75(3), 398- 402. doi: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2009.02.019 Todd, L. (2011). Predicting health literacy among english-as-asecond-language older chinese immigrant women to canada: comprehension of colon cancer prevention information. Journal of Cancer Education, 26(2), 326-332. doi: 10.1007/s13187-010-0162-2 Vass, A. (2011). Health literacy and Australian Indigenous peoples: an analysis of the role of language and worldview. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 22(1), 33-37. Zarcadoolas, C. (2011). The simplicity complex: exploring simplified health messages in a complex world. Health Promot International, 26(3), 338-350. Zarcadoolas, C., Pleasant, A., Greer, D. S. (2012). Understanding health literacy: an expanded model. Health Promot Int, 20(2), 195-203. doi: 10.1093/heapro/dah609