1. Critical observations on and suggested ways forward for healthcare communication during COVID-19: pEACH position paper
- Author
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Shakaib Rehman, Cinzia Colombo, Demi Krystallidou, Serena Barello, Eugenia Cao di San Marco, Thanakorn Jirasevijinda, Guendalina Graffigna, Conor Gilligan, Paola Mosconi, Sarah J. White, Judy Mullan, Sara Rubinelli, Elena Vegni, Edgard Eeckman, and UZB Other
- Subjects
Communication with masks ,Health Personnel ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Settore M-PSI/06 - PSICOLOGIA DEL LAVORO E DELLE ORGANIZZAZIONI ,Health literacy ,Health Promotion ,Telehealth ,Health Promotion/methods ,Risk communication ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Political science ,Health care ,Experiential knowledge ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Bereavement conversations ,Health communication ,Health Personnel/psychology ,Pandemics ,media_common ,Engagement ,Infodemic ,Public health communication ,business.industry ,SARS-CoV-2 ,030503 health policy & services ,Uncertainty ,COVID-19 ,General Medicine ,Public relations ,Health promotion ,Public Health Practice ,Position paper ,Psychological resilience ,telemedicine ,Disease names ,0305 other medical science ,business ,health literacy - Abstract
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.
- Published
- 2021
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