Find out the key skills needed for effective written communication in health and social care.

25 key skills in written communication in health and social care

The healthcare sector is among the most sensitive may be because it deals with people’s lives. If you work in this field, you should know that effective communication is crucial. One way that health care providers and institutions use to relay a message to patients and other stakeholders is through written communication. Certain skills are required to implement successful written communication. Below is a list of skills you should have:


Writing clear and easy-to-read language

  • Uses legible language in all their written records.
  • Has a high ability to communicate through writing while ensuring that both the patients and the professionals understand their medical write-ups.
  • Prepares easy-to-read care plans for the patients.
  • Makes medical records that are easily understood by all the users.
  • Communicates clearly with written healthcare reports.

Ensuring there are no errors

  • Creates exemplary medical reports void of any computer errors.
  • Can produce excellent medical papers without typos and grammatical errors.
  • Has made the organization popular with their explicit and factual publications.
  • Makes sure that the medical records of the patients are entered correctly to prevent resultant errors.
  • Proofreads all the medical reports before submitting them for publication.

Including dates and specific times for accountability

  • Keen on indicating the time when a patient commences treatment.
  • Ensures to include all the dates and times in the medical reports of all the patients.
  • Assign dates and times clearly in appointment letters for patients.
  • Creates practical work plans for the subordinates that include clearly defined timelines.
  • Develops shifts for nurses with clear dates and times.

Avoiding personal opinions

  • Uses credible information in writing medical reports.
  • Seeks the perspectives and ideas of different medical professionals when preparing recommendations for various projects.
  • Applies scientific evidence when writing medical reports.
  • Presents factual observations that are not influenced by personal opinions.
  • Uses clinical guidelines and the health care institution’s policy on written communication accordingly.

Adhering to code of ethics and other legislations

  • Understands the code of ethics that guides the storage and sharing of information.
  • Ensures confidentiality when conveying information about patient’s family health history.
  • Enters the patients’ information in accordance with the legislations and code of ethics about medical records.
  • Makes sure that the processing of crucial care plans is done promptly to avoid compromising the health of the patient.
  • Provides adequate evidence on the care given and decisions made through consistent records.

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