Running head: ESSENTIAL VI INTERPROFESSIONAL

COMMUNICATION
1

Essential VI: Interprofessional Communication and

Collaboration for Improving Patient Health Outcome

Anne Waskiewicz

Frostburg State University

ESSENTIAL VI INTERPROFESSIONAL
COMMUNICATION
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Essential VI: Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration for Improving Patient Health
Outcomes

Essential VI addresses the foundation for effective interprofessional collaboration and

communication. Collaboration is defined as a multi-disciplinary, integrated and participative

approach that focuses on client-centered and client-directed care. (Blais & Hayes, 2016).

Communication is defined as, the giving or exchanging of information through oral, written or

non-verbal means. (Blais & Hayes, 2016) This Essential equips the nurse to establish a

relationship between patients, family members, ancillary staff, physicians, care management, and

colleagues. Communication and collaboration are designed to send and receive clear messages

between individuals with the goal of achieving the highest possible health outcome for the

patient.

Exemplar

The question: Does the American Holistic Nurses Association exercise interpersonal

communication and collaboration to all and considering diversity, particularly as it relates to

culture and spirituality? The American Holistic Nursing Association (AHNA) states, Nursing

care is unrestricted by considerations of nationality, race, creed, color, age, sex, sexual

preference, politics, or social status. (What is holistic nursing? 2016) In the world today, a

professional nurse must be competent to serve a culturally diverse patient population to provide

the appropriate interventions. Daily interactions between the patient and nurse helps the nurse

hone her skills in communication and collaboration with the goal safe and improved patient care.
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COMMUNICATION
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The AHNA uses many forms of communication, newsletters, brochures, website, informational

webcast and face to face conversation. The complementary alternative medicines available

requires a collaborative effort from professionals, clients, researchers, students and the

community at large. AHNA welcomes everyone to join the organization to help meet the needs

and improve the patients health outcome.

Reflection

The combination of The Professional Nursing Practice Course and American Association

of Colleges of Nursing(AACN) Essential VI has increased my awareness being present in the

moment with each interaction I am involved. The hospital in which I am employed is in the

early stages of a Relationship Based Care Model. I have been able to practice my communicative

and collaborative skills as we present what the future may hold for our hospital organization.

The AHNA helped me to remember that I must take care of myself before I extend the care to

others.

Healthcare advocates have many tools available for the promotion of health and wellness,

prevention of disease, health protection and illness prevention. To be successful in our

profession we must stay current in our practice and culturally sensitive to the diverse population

we will encounter. The optimum quality of life begins with meeting each individual where they

are and walk with them in the journey toward good health. The journey begins with meeting

each individual where they are and walk with them to achieve their goal of good health.
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References

Fact Sheet What is holistic nursing?(2016). American Holistic Nurses Association Retrieved

from www.ahna.org.

Blais, K., & Hayes, J. (2016). Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives (7th

ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

The Essentials of Baccalaureate Education for Professional Nursing Practice. (2008).

Washington, D.C. American Association of Colleges of Nursing.