Role of Effective Communication - Essay Example

Running Head: ROLE Of EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Inserts His/Her Inserts Grade Inserts 23rd March, 2012 Role of effective communication Introduction The present age is the age of information, innovation and advancements. In such fast-paced times, every activity, whether personal or professional, needs to be effective and efficient in order to achieve desirable results. Like all other functions, communication also plays a vital role in the current era of technology and globalization. This paper discusses the component of effective communication along with its implications in my current workplace. It also reflects upon my communication skills in the workplace through a real-life illustration. Effective Communication The concept of communication refers to any activity which aims upon the conveying of information, ideas, thoughts or opinions through words, body language or writing. A channel of communication is normally established with a purpose to initiate action, impart information and establish relations. An effective communication is generally a two-way process, taking place between a sender and a receiver. The process of an effective communication is initiated from a source that encodes the message and passes it through a medium or channel to the receiver to be decoded. As a result of decoding, the ultimate is the feedback of the communicated message. In an effective communication, feedback plays the most critical role between the parties. Components of Effective Communication Communication is not just a brief activity but it is an effective two-way process which involves various components. They include context, encoder, message, medium, decoder, and feedback with an addition of any noise or barriers that hinder the process. These entire components exist whenever the communication of any sort takes place anywhere and in any situation. One of the major and very broad components is the message of the communication. Figure: Effective Communication The figure above depicts the entire process and all the components through which the effective communication takes place in all the contexts. It exhibits all the elements which are required to convey the message to and from one place to another. This process enables two parties, sender and receiver, to understand and translate one another into verbal and written terms. Message The process of communication is always affected by the message which is intended to be communicated by the encoder to the decoder. It is the symbol used to elicit the response which is to be sent by the sender. The component of message is begun by the decision of the nature of message to be conveyed across the channel. The message of any communication process is considered to be a source of reinforcing meanings, attitudes, beliefs, values and actions regarding any communication in process. In accordance with Bradac’s (1989) elaboration of message component of communication and its effects, the message functions as an iterative and dynamic practice of producing, spreading and sharing the thoughts and meanings. It is, not at all, confined to the creation and dissemination, but the component of message also presents a persistent transformation in the context of forming meanings which involve relevant organizational factors and cultural participation. A message is shaped by keeping the variables like target audience, suitable language, and appropriate content in consideration. It is the gist of the entire communication model and forms the body of the thoughts and words to be exchanged. The message is a very broad feature of the communication process and the reliability and authenticity of the information depends upon the nature of its message being transferred. In an effective communication process, the message has to be tailored according to the needs of the context. It can be a persuasive message; an informative; or a message reminding about a certain product or service. A message has to be tailored according to the demographics and can be put into various forms. A speech, presentation, memo, and conference are a few forms that any message can be put into (McDonough, 2006, 58). Moreover, the style of a message utilized in communication can ascertain the intensity and emphasis of the content and thus, assist its purpose to be fulfilled across the channels effectively (Boscart, 2009, 25). Application of Effective Communication at Work The concept of communication and its application in the field of pharmacy is largely significant in nature. For a pharmacist, it is very important to learn and master the interpersonal communication skills. Whether they are in communication with the other physicians, counseling their patients, or networking with their associates, the pharmacists are utilizing their interpersonal communication skills in everyday life at work. In order to solve their patients’ problems, improve their medication dosage, and guaranteeing maximum therapeutic outcomes, the pharmacists make extensive use of their interpersonal skills and the message component of effective communication. Besides this, the improvement in patient’s adherence through correct strategies, and the education and cancelling of patients largely involves verbal transference of messages. Along with the verbal communication, suitable written prescriptions and recommendations to other physicians regarding the resolution of drug therapy problem is also one of the most effective strategies for the changes in drug therapy. “Employee communication and medical management are two vital components of an effective healthcare delivery system (Olga, 1995, 9). My Experience Since my work is related to the field of pharmacy, the application of the message component of communication is seen and experienced extensively. A pharmacist-patient relationship, known as collaborative relationship, has to be built by interacting and establishing a covenant with each patient that is encountered. They make use of the clinical knowledge in guiding patients, and patients, in turn, provide the essential information to the pharmacists in the form of feedback to manage their drug therapy. Most of the times, the pharmacists are considered to be the only people to counsel patients on the medications, its side effects, dosage and uses, (Rajiv, 2010, 474). They ask open-ended questions from the patients and engage them in conversation which involves the transference of message, listening to the message, noticing the body language, giving message through cues, gestures, facial expressions, and providing feedback in the form of message. This involves a complete cycle of the communication process. Interviewing patients to collect a more in-depth data, obtaining their complete history, and informing them of the relevant medical services also involve the appropriate application of the effective communication. “Communicating with our clients is not only a science (i.e. we must ask them the right questions), it is an art (i.e. we must ask them the questions right) (Osborne, 2004, 6).” I have been able to perform the effective communication skills at my workplace in a professional manner. My good interpersonal skills have made me capable enough to hold the meetings with other consultants and physicians, deal my patients in a professional manner, initiate relationships with the stakeholders, communicate effectively with colleagues and coworkers, and learn and imply effective conflict management skills. Besides this, I am completely able to incorporate my communication and teaching skills into effective patient care and treatment. I was new in pharmacy 2 years back and I did not have much knowledge of the specific communication skills used in the field then. Initially, I had to counter various difficulties in answering patients regarding the critical queries that they came up with. However, being a physician, it was necessary for me to build a rapport with my patients, but it was difficult too. Besides this, the interpersonal skills seemed essential at the workplace but I lacked them. After few encounters with my profession, I decided to enroll myself for various workshops and training programs aimed at teaching and building up communication and interpersonal skills. I studied the entire communication process involved in the pharmaceutical field in great detail. Then, I felt an easy application of those skills at my workplace. Now, whether it is educating patients regarding a drug therapy, counseling them on the side effects of medicines, making recommendations on essential dosages or interviewing patients for in-depth details, I am fairly capable at heading all these activities in a flawless style. After gaining such an experience and learning, now I lead my fellows and people outside the organization and train them towards learning effective communication skills. Making my own experiences a reflection of learning, I guide others to provide the best possible services to the patients and serve humanity the best that they can. Conclusion Effective communication is an essential element of every profession and organization. Building upon adequate communication, the interpersonal skill is the mandatory feature of working in a pharmaceutical organization. Since, fields providing pharmacy services are directly related to the provision of healthcare services, and it is essential for the physicians to be able to understand and deal with their patients in an effective manner. REFERENCES Boscart Veronique M. (2009). A communication intervention for nursing staff in chronic care, Journal of Advanced Nursing, pp. 25-30, [online] [Accessed on 23 March 2012] McDonough Randy P. (2006). Improving Communication Skills of Pharmacy Students through Effective Precepting, American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 70(3), pp. 58 [online] [Accessed on 23 March 2012] Olga Padilla. (1995). The Role of Employee Communication in a Changing Healthcare Environment, Employee Benefits Journal, pp. 9-17 [online] [Accessed on 23 March 2012] Osborne CarlA. (2004). “Communication: a vital component highly effective patient care”, DVM News Magazine, [online] [Accessed on 23 March 2012] Rajiv Samant. (2010). Oncology Resident’s Perspectives on Communication Skills and Decision Making, Journal of Cancer Education, Volume 25, pp. 474 Available through: Springer [Accessed on 23 March 2012] Read More