Communication Channels
Introduction
What is communication? According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, 2011, communication is defined as a “process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.” Communication has various forms of channels in which messages can be conveyed from one person to another. Communication may be expressed verbally, non-verbally, electronically, telephonically, facsimile, or by sign language. There are multiple channels in which a healthcare facility communicates. According to Du Pre, A. 2005, “health care organizations provide products, services, and information to help people maintain health and manage illness and injuries. Some types of health organizations are pharmacies, doctors’ offices, clinics, diagnostic centers, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, fitness and wellness centers, counseling services, home health agencies, insurance companies, nonprofit agencies such as the American Heart Association, and more.” In this document it will discuss the two different healthcare care facilities of military and civilian facilities. It will discuss the various inventories of communication channels within each facility. Additionally, it will discuss the methodologies for disseminating health information with internal and external organizations.
Military Healthcare Communication Channels
As an employee of a military healthcare facility, our communication channels can vary from electronic medical records and email to written letters or memorandums, with similarities to the civilian sector the only difference would be our security clearances or privacy measures. Internally all health information is communicated through an electronic medical record system known as the Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA). According to the AHLTA website, “This service provides real-time access to beneficiaries' information "on demand," healthcare...