Open Communication

Open communication is understood as including many dimensions, from something as simple as "whom am I speaking to" through something as potentially complex as being able to really understand the pros and cons of a particular medical intervention. Staff will endeavour to foster open communication through:

• wearing ID's and introducing themselves
• primary care staff explaining their roles
• providing care in English, French, and other languages when necessary
• allowing time for decisions, in keeping with the demands of the clinical situation
• providing information about care and services in our institution, and how to access ongoing care when patients leave
• addressing the questions and concerns of patients and family members
• facilitating informed decision making by patients
• the availability of an ombudsman and a patient complaints procedure
• implementing the hospital policy of disclosure of "untoward events": if an error is made in the care of a patient, they will be informed of the error, its probable consequences, and what corrective action will be taken
• promoting effective communication amongst different MUHC departments, branches, teams and professionals