RUNNING HEAD: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Interpersonal Communication within the Medical Field
Jessica Davies
Steven’s Henager
ENG 223
March 10, 2016
Julia Butler
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Interpersonal Communication within the Medical Field
Interpersonal communication often involves only two or three people (Woods, 2010).
Effective interpersonal communication skills come in great use in any line of work, but
especially in the medical field. Shawn Derrick, an Echo Vascular Coordinator at Intermountain
Healthcare, has been working in this field for 30 years and states that he really enjoys the one on
one communication with his patients. He speaks to more than 50 patients and colleagues a day,
so communication skills are quite important to him and his job.
Metacommunication
“The word metacommunication comes from the prefix meta, meaning ‘about,’ and the
root word communication. Thus, metacommunication is communication about communication”
(Woods, 2010, pg29). Although most communication skills are all learned on the job, the
hospital does try to give some training on metacommunication. There are many different aspects
to what is done in the hospital so this skill is used quite often to make sure the patients
understand (Derrick, 2012). For example, in Shawn’s line of work, making sure the patient
knows how a procedure will go and the results it may give can be crucial to preparing the patient
for what’s to come. As a result, keeping the patient calm during the procedure.
Active Listening
Woods (2010) states that active listening is a complex process involving more than just
our ears and that “good listeners will do what they can to minimize environmental distractions”
(pg. 147 & 152). Within the field of medicine, not listening properly can be extremely
detrimental. Shawn needs to listen to his patients each and every day. The hospital can be so
busy and noisy that he must find ways to shut out the distractions around him to truly focus on
his patients. When asked how he closed out his distractions he stated, “Closing doors, completely
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stop what you are doing and even look at the patient so you can really listen to what the patient’s
needs are” (Derrick, 2012).
Language Barriers
Language barriers have been a constant struggle throughout history. It makes all parts of
communication harder if you don’t understand one another. Luckily, the hospital provides
interpreters whenever you cannot understand your patient or vice versa. Through his 30 years of
experience, Shawn has found ways to communicate through demonstration (Derrick, 2012).
According to the text, “Scholars estimate that nonverbal behaviors account for 65% to 93% of
the total meaning of communication” (Woods, 2012, pg122). This shows that Shawn’s way of
demonstration might be more effective means of communication than the translator’s
interpretation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, communication skills are important in all aspects of life.
Metacommunication, active listening, and learning to break through language barriers are just a
few skills that can create an amazing communicator. Shawn’s advice to anyone looking to have
better communication skills was simple, learn to have an open mind and understand that each
person has a different perception. “Perception is the active process of creating meaning” (Woods,
2012, pg68). Understanding that each person can create a different perception of what you say
makes you think a bit more while you speak. This will help you on your way to really knowing
how to communicate and understand others at work and in your personal life.
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References
Butler, J. T. (2010). Interpersonal Communication: Everyday Encounters, 6th ed. Boston:
Wadsworth.
Derrick, S. (2012, November 1). Communication within Medical Field. (J. Davies, Interviewer)