VOICES IN HEALTHCARE: UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION GAPS ACROSS PROFESSIONAL BOUNDARIES
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Keywords
Multidisciplinary teams, communication gaps, hierarchical barriers, interprofessional collaboration, patient safety, qualitative research, healthcare communication, psychological safety
Abstract
Modern inter-professional communication remains a barrier to positive patient outcomes. It is within these hierarchies that barriers emerge: varying schedules, inter and intra team relationships, and differences in perspectives to name a few. This qualitative study explores the patterns pertaining to communication in the tertiary hospital setting through focused interviews and group discussions, observations, and document analysis of 33 participants, including nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and public health experts. Five themes emerged from the data: (1) the impact of hierarchical structures, (2) inconsistent or non-standardized communication habits, (3) time constraints, (4) interpersonal challenges, and (5) practical strategies to bridge these gaps. The participants expressed frustations such as being silenced as a result of the existing power dynamics, and they suggested solutions such as SBAR, standardized handover tools, regular team briefing sessions, and developing a culture in which concerns can be openly expressed. Overcoming these challenges may lead to enhanced team integration, reduced errors, and improved patient care within an organization.
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Mohammed S. Alsaykhan
Armed Forces Hospital
Naif A. Almusaytir
Armed Forces Hospital
Majed M. Alotaibi
Armed Forces Hospital
Abdulaziz R. Alfehaid
Armed Forces Hospital
Khalid H. Alharbi
Armed Forces Hospital
Samia M. Almudhaibri
Armed Forces Hospital
Nasser K. Almutairi
Armed Forces Hospital
Abdulrahman A. Alquwayfili
Armed Forces Hospital
Abdulmajeed I. Alhujaylan.
Armed Forces Hospital