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DHA gives training in communication

To ensure patient safety, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has also said it will impose a fine of Dh2,000 on professionals and facilities for failing to provide data and statistics which are an important part of communication. Dr Layla Marzouqi, head of Clinical Governance Office at the authority’s Health Regulation Department, said miscommunication among doctors and other healthcare providers was a main cause of medical error.According to a JCIA report, the root cause of more than half of the serious adverse events in accredited hospitals was poor communication.

“Prevention is always better than cure,” said Dr Layla. “We are doing this training to protect both the community and healthcare workers,” she added. Training will include better language skills (written and verbal) as well as improving documentation. In a multi-cultural environment such as the UAE, clear modes of communication in the right language held utmost importance. “Healthcare providers are always advised to seek the help of translators instead of using their little knowledge of language and leaving room for error,” said Dr Marzouqi. At least 470 people from different specialties including nurses, midwives, dentists, physicians etc have already attended a workshop held in June. Another is due to be held next month. The ratio of healthcare professionals in the UAE is about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people compared to the US which is 2.9 to three while the nurses are about four to 4.2 per 1,000 people compared to the US which is about nine or 9.5. “This gap is enormous because nearly 96 per cent of nurses who are working here are all from outside the country and about 70 per cent of the doctors are also again from outside, therefore clear communication is very important.”

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com