The very term "health" has, in the past several decades, taken on a more holistic meaning. Rather than simply the absence of disease, "health" takes on a more complete state of being, of living and of performing at an optimum rate. Health professionals have, by necessity, become more aware of this in both clinical and palliative care.At the heart of healthcare as an institution is, of course, the need to care for the sick and the injured. However, in the contemporary model of healthcare, effective communication during a crisis is not only important, but also vital. Communication by healthcare professionals takes the concern and worry out of the situation; offers a quicker resolution, makes better control of information possible, earns the trust of the public and individual families; and keeps the flow of information consistent and accurate, thus averting potential external problems.
Evidence-Based Tools: Review Matix
Level of Evidence
Gazmararian, J., et.al.
Health Literacy Among Medicare Enrollees in Managed Care Organizations
What is the level of functional health literacy among community dwelling Medicare enrollees.
Cross-sectional survey.
Four Prudential Healthcare plans; 3260 participants
Used short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults.
1/3 of English speaking and over 1/2 Spanish speaking enrollees over age 65 had inadequate health literacy.
One section of population (prudential), but use of bilingual surveys buttresses ability to extrapolate data.
Strong -- shows that elderly managed care individuals may not have the literacy necessary to adequately function in the modern health care environment.
Gulmans, J., et.al.
Evaluating Quality of patient care communication in integrated care settings.
2007
Using the integrated care model of Cerebral Palsy, how effective is the communication approach in an integrated medical setting.
Three step mixed design; patient questionnaire; interviews once gaps were established, final factors into focus group. Qualitative.
26 studies plus additional patient evaluation.
Meta-analysis and individual qualitative approach.
Designed model minimizes communication difficulties when compared to single method approach.
Limited group, lacks quantitative and statistical reliability.
Medium -- more quantitative and longer-term, longitudinal studies necessary to buttress argument prior to implementing model.
McCaffrey, R., et.al.
An Educational Program to promote Positive Communication and Collaboration Between Nurses and Medical Staff
2011
Effect of enhanced educational program on doctor-nurse collaboration.
Qualitative, meetings and seminars, then questions to ascertain efficacy.
Smallish, 65 in one hospital.
Survey and qualitative observation.
Clear and effective communication goals were met using positive educational interventions.
Longitudinal and sample size.
Good basic, lacks lengthy literature review. Data may be extrapolated, but further work needs to be done using larger, more diverse sample.
Melnyk, B., et.al.
Evidence-based Practice: Step-by-Step Igniting a Spirit of Inquiry.
2009
What is the effectiveness of an evidence-based practice format on collaborative inquiry.
Meta-Analysis and presentation of package.
None other than previous research.
Literature review and meta-analysis.
This is a presentation of a model approach suggested by an experienced nursing professor.
None for type of study.
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