Enhancing intergroup communication in healthcare: The role of the receiver

Melanie Barlow

doi:10.11157/fohpe.v22i3.523

Authors

Melanie Barlow University of Queensland http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1192-5757

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/fohpe.v22i3.523

Keywords:

speaking up, receiver, healthcare, communication behaviour, communication failure, healthcare communication, voice

Abstract

This paper explores how the communication behaviour of another can have significant personal and professional impact and, in turn, put others in harm’s way. In healthcare, in a continual attempt to address known barriers to communication, such as fear, hierarchy and power differentials, significant human and financial resources are deployed to develop and teach new and existing methods of how to speak up. Despite the effort, speaking up remains difficult, and as a result, patients are still being harmed. The author’s personal story highlights the fact that maybe, until now, we have not been addressing the whole issue.

Author Biography

Melanie Barlow, University of Queensland

Lecturer in Nursing, Australian Catholic University; Faculty of Health Sciences

PhD candidate, Univeristy of Queensland; School of Psychology

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