Communication Accommodation Theory as an Intervention Tool to Improve Interprofessional Practice in Healthcare

Abstract

Leonard et al. (The Human Factor: The Critical Importance of Effective Teamwork and Communication in Providing Safe Care. Quality and Safety in Health Care, 13(Suppl 1), i85–i90, 2004) stated that 70% of patient adverse events were caused by communication failure. To date, interventions to improve communication have not reduced adverse events (Zegers et al., Evidence-Based Interventions to Reduce Adverse Events in Hospitals: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews. BMJ Open, 6(9), e012555, 2016). This chapter examines why communication competence skills training interventions have not led to effective communication between different health professions. It argues that, while communication skills interventions are critical to establishing quality patient care, by themselves they are insufficient. An applied theoretical approach is required, which takes account of intergroup dynamics and socio-technical structures in health settings. These factors are most often ignored in communication competence training interventions. By linking practical interventions with a robust theory of communication such as communication accommodation theory, it is possible to bring theory and practice together. This will enable health professionals to recognise how the health context influences their day-to-day interactions with other health professionals and patients.