Enhancing Communication in the 21st Century

Abstract

Quality communication is a critical component in all aspects of public health and clinical care. The quality of the process of communication between the patient/family and the physician affects the quality of the patient/family-physician relationship, patient behavior, and health outcomes. Advances in communication and information technologies can enhance the quality of communication, not only between patients/families and their physicians but also between clinicians and public health professionals. Communication and integration between the domains of personal health and public health have the potential to improve the delivery of health care and public health services and to yield the desired seamless continuum of health care. This article discusses some of the advances and efforts in the use of information technology to facilitate enhanced communication for quality health care.