Question

When the hospital helicopter arrived with a patient, the emergency medical technician, George, gave the nurse, Layloni, a detailed verbal report that lasted about thirty minutes. He used medical terms to explain the patient's condition and verified that Layloni understood all the information before he left. How might George have improved this verbal report?

A. By adjusting his language to use everyday terms
B. By making it more brief and concise
C. By including visual aids

Answer 1

George could improve his verbal report by being more concise, using everyday language to ensure clarity, and potentially including visual aids for complex information.

Step-by-step explanation:

George, the emergency medical technician (EMT), could have improved his verbal report to the nurse by employing several key strategies for effective communication in the medical field. First, he could focus on making the report more brief and concise, which would respect the often limited time available in emergency medical settings. Secondly, while using medical terms can be precise, George should ensure that he adjusts his language as needed to avoid misunderstandings, using everyday terms where possible without compromising the accuracy of the information. Lastly, although not always necessary, including visual aids might have helped in providing a clearer understanding of complex conditions or treatments.

Efficient communication is critical in high-stress environments such as hospitals where clarity, speed, and accuracy can significantly impact patient outcomes. Given that medical professionals may be working long hours or have multiple patients to care for, brief and clear reports help in quick decision-making. If visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or images can enhance understanding, they should be used effectively to complement verbal communication.