Improving Communication in the Labor Suite

Effective communication on the Labor and Delivery unit is an essential component in achieving the responsibilities and goals of the unit. Efforts should be taken to ensure productive communication among the multiple health care providers involved in caring for parturients as well as between providers and patients. Effective communication contributes to patient safety, and good communication skills lead to improved patient and staff satisfaction. Many of the outcomes associated with effective communication, such as improved efficiency, fewer malpractice suits, and less staff turnover, lead to lower hospital costs.