The problematic art of conversation: Communication and health practice evolution

Conversation is an important part of everyday life and is increasingly recognized as being critical to the success of practice change initiatives in the health care environment. However, conversation is becoming something of a lost art and it is important that we consciously 'create the space' to have constructive, meaningful and inclusive conversations in and around health practices. This article explores the importance of conversation to organizational functioning, and the potential for practice development to facilitate meaningful conversations around clinical practice and practice change. It also discusses a form of conversation called futurefocused conversation as one approach to assist cultural evolution in health environments. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.