Intra-organizational Communication in Healthcare

H. Pirnejad; Z. Niazkhani; M. Berg; R. Bal

doi:10.3414/ME0502

Methods of Information in Medicine, Table of Contents

Methods Inf Med 2008; 47(04): 336-345
DOI: 10.3414/ME0502

Original Article

Schattauer GmbH

Intra-organizational Communication in Healthcare

Considerations for Standardization and ICT Application

H. Pirnejad

¹Healthcare Governance, Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

,

Z. Niazkhani

¹Healthcare Governance, Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

,

M. Berg

¹Healthcare Governance, Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

,

R. Bal

¹Healthcare Governance, Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

› Author Affiliations

Abstract

Summary

Objectives: Intra-organizational communication is mostly interpersonal. Synchronous interruptive communication is recognized as aprimary source of inefficiency anderror in healthcare, and there is much potential for information and communication technology (ICT) to improve such communication. As recently suggested, however, due to communication failures ICT can also compound medical errors. In this paper we analyze factors that restrict the role of ICT in improving interpersonal healthcare communication and suggest solutions. Methods: We critically analyzed the literature from a selection of diverse scientific disciplines. These were related to interpersonal communication, tothe role and place of standardization and computerization in its improvement, and to reducing medical errors.

Results: Four possible scenarios were defined on how ICT can serve healthcare communication. Two differing conceptual frameworks about communication in health-care were discussed. Considering “information space” as apart of “communication space ” allows the recognition and control of the source of the semantic gaps in conventional standardization and an enhancement of the role of ICT in improving intra-organizational communication. Moreover, cognitive, social, and organizational dimensions of complexity in interpersonal communication can be managed. Three approaches to control the variability in those dimensions and to promote therole of ICT in intra-organizational communication were discussed.

Conclusion: A multi-dimensional approach is required to promote the role of ICT in intra-organizational communication in healthcare. Parallel to conventional standardization, atleast three dimensions need to be addressed: controlling the effect of the social context, developing standard information processing skills, and most importantly, controlling variations in care practices’ performance.

Keywords

Interpersonal communication - interoperability - standardization - patient safety - ICT - healthcare communication

Full Text

References

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