Mater Hospital
10 Suggested standards for effective staff-inpatient communication
Listen to what the patient has to say.
Speak to the patient her/himself rather than to a third party.
Speak directly to the patient.
Ensure that the patient can hear what is being said.
Adequately inform the patient.
Use jargon-free language which the patient can understand.
Ensure the patient understands what has been said.
Ask about, and take account of, the patient's preferences for treatment and care.
