Communication is the first step in providing an individual with patient care. Patient care may be interrupted if there is a lack of communication or misunderstanding. Unfortunately, any interruption may result in adverse events and/or death. Clinical communication is very different from the basic elements of effective communication. Healthcare communication also requires seven essential steps, unlike basic communication which requires fewer steps. Healthcare communication and compliance improve by establishing a doctor-patient relationship. Basic CommunicationCommunication begins with two individuals, or an individual and a group. The basic elements of communication are the ability of the sender to send a message to the recipient, confirm understanding, and receive feedback from the recipient. The difference between effective communication and basic communication is the recipient's ability to retain and repeat information and/or provide feedback. Healthcare Communication Many differences exist between healthcare communication and basic communication; these differences can also lead to different outcomes, such as a lack of clinical communication or misunderstanding that can lead to adverse events or even death. The physician's approach may also impact compliance. Generally, a conversation begins with a relationship with its listener to establish active listening. However, in healthcare, treating your patient can be considered offensive, so in the article Essential Elements of Communication in Medical Encounters: The Kalamazoo Consensus Statement, Gregory PhD identifies the seven essential sets of communication, which are: building the doctor - patient relationship; (2) open discussion; (3) collect information; (4) understand...... middle of article...... Son et al, also state, contrary to popular belief that it can take too long, the average time is only 90 seconds to 2 and a half minutes. The article also suggests that active listening and empathy not only promote patient understanding of prognosis and treatment recommendations, but also improve compliance rates. (Simpson et al, 1991) Active listening and empathy improve patient compliance and satisfaction by reducing their anxiety. In conclusion, improving provider-patient relationships leads to better communication; a patient would be more comfortable sharing their problems, creating a window to provide better patient care. Allowing the patient to express and resolve their concerns without interruption lets them know that the healthcare professional is listening. A patient involved in their own care is more likely to adhere to treatment..