1. Written Communication Skills

2. Objectives
2.31 Recognize elements of written and electronic communication (spelling, grammar, formatting, and confidentiality)
2.32 Describe techniques for planning and organizing written documents.

3. Written Communication
How important is written communication in the delivery of quality healthcare?
Think about the last time you received medical or dental care. What do you think had to be communicated in writing?
Good writing includes:
Logical organization
Attention to detail
Complete accuracy

4. Organizing Content Determine your purpose for writing.
Be sure you consider three important parts:
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
Create an outline (formal or informal) that will help you organize your ideas.

5. Spell Words Correctly
Spelling is critical in healthcare documents. Why?
Use tools to be sure you get it right.
Medical dictionary
Regular dictionary
Word processing software spell checkers
Learn major spelling rules.
Memorize difficult to spell words.

6. Use Proper Grammar and Punctuation
Why? To give a favorable impression of both yourself and your employer.
Follow capitalization rules
First word in a sentence
Names of people, countries, companies, etc.
Names of months and days of the week
Titles in a person’s name

7. Use Proper Grammar and Punctuation
Follow punctuation rules
Period at end of sentences.
Commas to join two independent clauses.
Quotation marks to enclose exact words of a speaker.
Always place periods and commas inside quotation marks.

8. Writing Titles Correctly
Dr. Curtis Schultz OR Curtis Schultz, M.D.
Use either Dr. or M.D., but never both
Same rule for D.V.M., D.O., D.D.S., etc.

9. Use Proper Grammar and Punctuation
Follow punctuation rules
Period at end of sentences.
Commas to join two independent clauses.
Quotation marks to enclose exact words of a speaker.
Always place periods and commas inside quotation marks.

10. Confidentiality of Written Materials
HIPAA establishes confidentiality standards
HIPAA = Health Insurance Portability Act
Patients must be able to see and obtain copies of their records.
Patients set limits on who can see their records.
Healthcare providers need written permission to release patient records.
Note to teacher:
This content is expanded on and tested in Foundation Standard 5. It is included here at an introduction to the concepts of confidentiality of written documents.

11. Patient Health Record (Chart)
Must be neat and legible.
Use correct spelling and grammar.
Use objective observations.
Accurately “quote” patient’s words.
Sign with name and title.
Correct errors by crossing out with one line, write “error” and initial.

12. Patient Health Records (Chart)
Do not erase or obliterate.
Never chart before the event occurs.
Never chart for another person.
Do not leave blank spaces.
Kept for all patients/clients who receive care in a health facility.
Property of the health facility.

13. Patient Health Record (Chart)
Need written patient consent to release information
All entries in blue or black ink (allergies in red)
Parts of the chart may include:
Physician’s orders
Nurses notes
Graphic chart
Medication record
Progress notes
Reports and forms