Perioperative communication

This article has raised the issue of effective communication within the perioperative setting. There are many methods for sending information from one person to another. Most important in effective communication is the clarity of the message and how practitioners check that the recipient understands the intended point. If key aspects in the communication process are not fully understood or utilised, then we subject our patient and our colleagues to potential risk. If poor communication causes untoward and unacceptable consequences then the perioperative practitioner will be accountable for their actions in law and to their regulatory body. The responsibility of effective communication lies with the individual practitioner first and foremost. To prevent poor communication taking place, they should ensure that they have the correct skills to communicate effectively, be that by listening, reflecting on experiences or writing.