Communication Theory

Communication Theory

HCS 320

Ariane O’Connor

University of Phoenix

9/18/2011

When working in an organization such as a hospital, effective communication in my opinion is the key factor in concerning the care of the patients. Health care organizations face challenges when it comes to communication because of gender differences, cultural differences, and in some cases the lack of communication with the patient or them not understanding a condition or medication there taking. Communication barriers like these can affect how certain tasks are completed within the organization, including whether a patient or patients family wants to continue care at the facility. To help gain a better understanding of communication at my job I will discuss how gender and cultural differences affect daily communication at Westview Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Working in a healthcare organization it’s easy to see encounters by both male and female employees who are motivated in providing the best care possible for our patients. Female employees in my opinion have better speaking skills in the workplace, they are able to interact with patients, families, and coworkers in a much better way than the male employees. I work around a lot of females who jobs vary from housekeeping to RN’s, and they all don’t speak the same as in text but are good in building relationships, and finding ways to relate to those they are speaking to. An example would be a female RN taking care of a female patient, in this situation there would not be any barriers as its common for a female to take care of another female patient. Females in general usually tend to be more knowledgeable about health care issues it is easier for females versus that of males to ask health-related questions to the patient or family, which in turn builds a better relationship between the patient and his or her caregiver and also supports good communication.

Males as stated above in...