[Critical aspects of communication in intensive care]

The poor quality of interpersonal communication is the main reason for the dissatisfaction intensive care patients and their family members often experience. Yet interpersonal communication is considered an important means of conveying information, providing psychological support, and preventing conflicts which can arise when communication is ineffective and information is misunderstood. Good communication is, therefore, an essential part of therapy. This study examines the factors that can hinder communication between clinicians, patients and their family members and the strategies needed to overcome the obstacles to good communication. The results of the study showed that training in the development of relational skills and communicative competence within the intensive care setting should be directed towards the promotion of decision-making processes shared among medical personnel, patients and their family members. In this way, conflict can be reduced and the quality of medical care improved.