Three Tips for Communicating Effectively

Tip 1: Be Timely 

Communicate messages in a timely manner. For example, a stat hemoglobin lab report for the current patient needs to be communicated to the surgeon immediately, not two hours later or when convenient, and communicating that all correct implants are available for the procedure should be done prior to the patient being brought to the OR, not after.  

Awkward... 

When a message is communicated at the wrong time, it can result in an awkward moment. Most people associate an awkward moment with silence or a long pause during a conversation, resulting in an uncomfortable or awkward feeling. Awkward moments may occur when someone makes a joke during a code or emergency or uses an inappropriate or unprofessional slang word or jargon.  

Once when I was circulating in an ophthalmology case, when the patient received sedation, the OR staff and surgeon minimized conversation to maintain a quiet and calm environment. When the procedure had concluded, the room lights were turned back on, and the sterile drapes were being removed from the patient. While the surgeon was talking to the patient, another nurse burst into the surgical suite and with a loud voice stated, “Dr. Jones, what are we going to do with the next patient?” We were all stunned by the sudden change in conversation volume. There was a long pause before anyone started talking again. The surgeon replied and asked the nurse to wait until we were finished with the current case, and he would be available shortly after to address concerns. This was a very awkward moment for everyone in the room. 

Tip 2: Be Truthful 

It is not professional to communicate lies, half-truths, or fabrications, so when communicating a message, ensure the information provided is true, based on facts or data and supported by evidence. Truthful information includes direct statements, similar to charting in the nursing record; for example, “The patient stated he was very upset about what was going on and did not want to proceed with the procedure.” Truthful information is corroborated, or is able to be validated, supported, or verified. Truthful communication builds and maintains trust between patients, peers, and professionals. It is okay to say, “I don’t know, but I will find out,” rather than contributing to the conversation with false statements.  

Tip 3: Make it Relevant 

Conversations can quickly feel awkward when the information or message communicated is not relevant to the current topic, so when communicating a message, ensure the information is relevant and pertains to the current topic or conversation; for example, when communicating the hand-off report to the PACU nurse, share the operative events (implants, drains, etc.) of the current patient. Do not contribute information about a patient scheduled for next week or what was happening this past weekend for the crew on-call. The latter information should be saved for other conversations.   

AORN Resources

AORN members can access: 

• Team Communication Guideline - AORN eGuidelines+