Identifying methods to communicate with patients and enhance patient satisfaction to improve return on investment

Abstract The spectrum of patient populations utilising any given healthcare organisation is broad and varied, making the ability to effectively connect and communicate critical medical information extremely difficult. Traditionally the industry has relied heavily on word of mouth. As resources dwindle and costs continue to climb it becomes increasingly important to develop a communications programme that allows for effective communication at the maximum number of 'levels of comprehension' in order to keep information flowing to patients while minimising staff effort. Effective communication impacts revenues, staff load, patient throughput, equipment utilisation, patient safety, risk management and patient satisfaction.