Communication – A foundation for excellence in care
Dear colleagues,
Every day, we have the privilege of supporting people through moments that can be challenging and often pivotal to their health and well-being. This privilege comes with a fundamental responsibility: to communicate with clarity, respect, and empathy. Communication is not just a tool—it is at the heart of our practice, the bond that connects our teams, and the key to delivering safe, compassionate care.
Based on patient feedback, received through surveys or complaints, communication is often at the core of the patient experience. Patients consistently identify kindness and supportive guidance as essential to their recovery. Conversely, communication gaps (insufficient information, misunderstandings, or a lack of empathy or active listening) are frequently at the root of patient concerns.
With our patients: trust comes first
Well-chosen words, attentive listening, and clear explanations: these simple actions can transform the patient experience. They build trust, reduce the risk of errors, and encourage adherence to treatment plans. Every interaction is an opportunity to ensure our patients feel heard, understood, and respected. Effective communication enhances safety, but it also upholds the dignity and humanity of those we serve.
Among colleagues and teams: the power of collaboration
Our work environments are complex and interconnected. Open, respectful communication across disciplines is essential to coordinating care, preventing misunderstandings, and strengthening team cohesion. Together, we form a chain in which every link matters. When information is shared proactively and transparently, collaboration becomes seamless and everyone feels valued.
Why is communication vital?
- It improves patient safety and reduces the risk of errors and incidents.
- It strengthens team cohesion and job satisfaction.
- It promotes innovation and faster problem-solving.
- It can reduce errors by 30%.
- A 2025 study shows a close correlation between the quality of communication and patient satisfaction.
How can we achieve this?
- Balance speaking with active listening
- Clarify our message to avoid ambiguity
- Adapt our communication to our audience
I invite each of you to make communication a daily priority. Let's ask ourselves: Am I truly listening? Is my message clear? These simple reflections have a powerful impact on the quality of care we provide and on our collective well-being.
Communicating well is caring well. Together, let’s make communication our strength—a pillar of our mission and a guarantee of quality for those who place their trust in us.
Dr. Éric Levasseur
Chief of Staff
The “Voice of Our Leaders,” the blog of Vitalité Health Network’s Leadership Team, covers various topics related to transformation of the health system. The team members share their thoughts – transparently and from their own perspectives – on the issues, challenges and priorities within their areas of responsibility and the health system as a whole. Happy reading and happy reflection!
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