Improving Communication Skills within the Nephrology Unit

Abstract

Effective communication skills are critical in nephrology units for patients, staff members, and the organization to decrease errors, work together as an interdisciplinary team, and have smoothly running unit operations. The desire and willingness to communicate are important for maintaining safety in healthcare settings, and the lack of effective communication is the most common patient complaint. Skills needed for successful communication include verbal dialogue, active listening, interpretation of body language, empathy, confidence, charisma, and cooperativeness. Miscommunication can occur due to language barriers, misinterpretation, and poor listening skills. Effective communication skills are an essential competence for all members of the interdisciplinary team.

Keywords: communication; listening skills; nephrology; verbal.