title: Improving the quality of communication in healthcare.
abstract: In this paper we present an assessment instrument for evaluating the quality of communication processes in health care. This instrument is based on communication theory, and does not only indicate the level of quality, but also explains it. This makes it also useful as a design tool in reorganising communication processes, in order to make them more effective. Such a tool is highly needed when Information and Communication Technology is applied in health care to support communication between professionals. The instrument is demonstrated for a case in multidisciplinary team care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), The Netherlands.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Toussaint
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Verhoef
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Vlieland
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Zwetsloot-Schonk
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks / Q000592:standards*; D006747:Hospital Communication Systems / Q000592:standards*; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D009426:Netherlands; D010348:Patient Care Team; D013597:Systems Analysis