TY - JOUR
T1 - Critical observations on and suggested ways forward for healthcare communication during COVID-19
T2 - pEACH position paper
AU - White, Sarah J.
AU - Barello, Serena
AU - Cao di San Marco, Eugenia
AU - Colombo, Cinzia
AU - Eeckman, Edgard
AU - Gilligan, Conor
AU - Graffigna, Guendalina
AU - Jirasevijinda, T.
AU - Mosconi, Paola
AU - Mullan, Judy
AU - Rehman, Shakaib Ur
AU - Rubinelli, Sara
AU - Vegni, Elena
AU - Krystallidou, Demi
PY - 2021/2
Y1 - 2021/2
N2 - Objective: Communication in healthcare has influenced and been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this position paper, we share observations based on the latest available evidence and experiential knowledge that have emerged during the pandemic, with a specific focus on policy and practice. Methods: This is a position paper that presents observations relating to policy and practice in communication in healthcare related to COVID-19. Results: Through our critical observations as experts in the field of healthcare communication, we share our stance how healthcare communication has occured during the pandemic and suggest possible ways of improving policy and professional practice. We make recommendations for policy makers, healthcare providers, and communication experts while also highlighting areas that merit further investigation regarding healthcare communication in times of healthcare crises. Conclusion: We have witnessed an upheaval of healthcare practice and the development of policy on-the-run. To ensure that policy and practice are evidence-based, person-centred, more inclusive and equitable, we advocate for critical reflection on this symbiotic relationship between COVID-19 and the central role of communication in healthcare. Practice implications: This paper provides a summary of the key areas for development in communication in healthcare during COVID-19. It offers recommendations for improvement and a call to review policies and practice to build resilience and inclusive and equitable responsiveness in communication in healthcare.
AB - Objective: Communication in healthcare has influenced and been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this position paper, we share observations based on the latest available evidence and experiential knowledge that have emerged during the pandemic, with a specific focus on policy and practice. Methods: This is a position paper that presents observations relating to policy and practice in communication in healthcare related to COVID-19. Results: Through our critical observations as experts in the field of healthcare communication, we share our stance how healthcare communication has occured during the pandemic and suggest possible ways of improving policy and professional practice. We make recommendations for policy makers, healthcare providers, and communication experts while also highlighting areas that merit further investigation regarding healthcare communication in times of healthcare crises. Conclusion: We have witnessed an upheaval of healthcare practice and the development of policy on-the-run. To ensure that policy and practice are evidence-based, person-centred, more inclusive and equitable, we advocate for critical reflection on this symbiotic relationship between COVID-19 and the central role of communication in healthcare. Practice implications: This paper provides a summary of the key areas for development in communication in healthcare during COVID-19. It offers recommendations for improvement and a call to review policies and practice to build resilience and inclusive and equitable responsiveness in communication in healthcare.
KW - COVID-19
KW - Uncertainty
KW - Risk Communication
KW - infodemic
KW - Engagement
KW - public health communication
KW - disease names
KW - telehealth
KW - bereavement conversations
KW - communication with masks
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85098890265&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.pec.2020.12.025
DO - 10.1016/j.pec.2020.12.025
M3 - Article
C2 - 33419600
AN - SCOPUS:85098890265
SN - 0738-3991
VL - 104
SP - 217
EP - 222
JO - Patient Education and Counseling
JF - Patient Education and Counseling
IS - 2
ER -