Communication Methods
HCS-320
November 11, 2014
Jackie Tomas Communication Methods
As the healthcare communications coordinator for a national drug manufacturer, there are a number of discussions that we will need to direct concerning the negative effects our pharmaceutical products are causing to the general populace. There are news reporters representing every local media awaiting answers regarding the Governor of California’s health. There are reports that the Governor medicated himself with one of our drug and if there is an adverse effect in connection with our product. The meeting will be held today as we discuss on how effectively to use traditional, electronic, and social media communication techniques in addressing the general public and the local media. We will choose the most effective and efficient communication tactic that is suitable for this dilemma, without breaking any Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) guidelines at the same time. Every employee must familiarize themselves the advantages and disadvantages of each form of communications.
The most traditional form of communication is face-to-face. “Meeting face-to-face still is considered as the richest channel of communication,” (West, 2014). The advantages of using face-to-face are real-time reaction without further delay. Instant feedback gets the message transferred faster. It allows the conversation to be raw in body language, physical contact, and visual contact, tone of voice, space and distance. The disadvantages can be too confrontational. The tone of voice can be mistaken or unclear. Body language may not be in accordance with morality, and lead to the wrong non-verbal statements.
Another form of traditional communication are newspapers, magazines, brochures, television, and radio. Popular media outlets such as a newspaper, brochures, and magazine gets a lot of attention from the public. The use of these methods permits readers to know that drug manufacturers presents considerable concerns on the adverse effects of medications to the public. The disadvantages in reports are often fabricated to interest consumers. These fabrications most of the time are misleading information’s with limited to no evidence to support facts on the positivity in public health issues. News feed are expected to expose negativity and instill fear through misguided information. Another disadvantage is limited publications on newspaper and magazine prints. However, advantages allow it to be cost effective and easily adaptable. It is visual and non-verbal in sound, which targets a special type of audience who does not possess the ability to hear, but has the ability to read.
Using broadcast media like the television are visual in body language, facial expressions, and tone setting. Unlike the radio, it is non-visual but can transfer sound cues at the receiver’s end. Both has the advantage to target the most audience through broadcast media. Body language, facial expressions, and tone setting on television may perceive to viewers as compassionate and believable, however it is social media and not everything is perceived to be truthful. Disadvantages are targeting an unlimited amount of audience. It shares a similar flaw just like the newspapers and magazines; television and radio also displays misuse of information to the public. Once the public hears the information, it can quickly spread all over social media.
Technological usage such as emails, text messages, and automated voice systems all has its benefits to the extent and also has its share of drawbacks. Advantages allow the message to be sent to thea multiple amounts of people at the same time. The disadvantages include delayed time reaction, avoidance in feedback, and miscommunication. Miscommunication embodies visual tone of message and misinterpretation of words.
Communication techniques in social media have been the favorable tool for patients as it gives them the ability to
