Communication Vital To Health Care
By Izam S Ya'akub

Bandar Seri Begawan - Communication is important in the field of health care, the Minister of Health, Pehin Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong stated, adding that communication was equally important as accurate diagnosis and successful treatment.

The minister was speaking at the launch of the 3rd National Perinatal Symposium, on Saturday night. Pehin Dato Seri Setia Haj i Awang Abu Bakar pointed out that the ability to communicate effectively is of immense value to patients as well as for the personal and professional satisfaction associated with the care of patients. Good communication skills are an important mechanism in gaining patients' trust, he added.

The two-day symposium carried the theme "Communication - We Can Do Better" and aimed to improve communication between health care professionals and parents as well as enhance communication amongst health care professionals, including doctors, allied health professionals and nurses.

The minister added that by formulating close rapport and establishing good relationships with patients, health care professionals also reduce the risk of medical legal malpractice.

One study showed that 71 per cent of litigation was due to a poor relationship or lack of communication between doctor and patient.

The minister also stated that developed communication has shown to improve health outcomes including diagnostic accuracy, better patient compliance, and improved social outcomes such as patient satisfaction.

Pehin Dato Haji AwangAbu Bakar also emphasised the importance of having an excellent communication system established amongst health care administration. He shared examples on how the SARS outbreak in the region was contained by countries that had managed to implement effective systems of communication.

The symposium, which ended yesterday, included lectures and a hands-on workshop aimed at improving communication techniques of health professionals while reminding them that effective and compassionate communication is an integral part of patient care and teamwork.

Over the two-day course, health care professionals attended a series of talks including a keynote address by Dr Gabrielle duPreez-Wilkinson from Brisbane, Australia, who spoke on the importance of communication in all branches of health care.

Those who attended also took part in role-playing sessions in doctor-patient scenarios and afternoon workshops at the Central Lecture Theatre, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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