The University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) hosted the MacArthur Clinical Skills Laboratory lecture on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the UPTH Auditorium. The focus of the lecture was the critical role of effective communication in clinical practice, aimed at improving patient outcomes and ensuring quality healthcare delivery.
Effective communication skills, as emphasized during the lecture, are fundamental in fostering strong clinician-patient relationships. These skills enhance understanding, build trust, and promote collaborative decision-making in patient care.
The event was chaired by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Development, Prof. I. M. Siminialaiye. In his remarks, Prof. Siminialaiye applauded the organizers for initiating a conversation on bridging the growing communication gap between clinicians and patients, a concern he noted has worsened in recent years.
The Chief Medical Director of UPTH, Prof. Henry Ugboma, served as the Co-Chairman of the occasion and was represented by the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Dotonye Alasia.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Prof. Faith Diagu, a professor of Nursing, who spoke passionately on the increasing awareness among healthcare organizations about the need to improve communication. She stressed that communication must be clear, purposeful, and patient-centered, as it directly impacts patient safety and informed decision-making. She pointed out that patients and their families must be actively engaged in the care process through effective communication.
Prof. Diagu outlined essential elements of effective communication, including active listening, empathy, compassion, cultural competence, and clarity in language. She illustrated her points with a real-life case involving a 67-year-old patient with diabetes and kidney disease. Due to poor discharge communication, the patient misunderstood her care instructions and was re-admitted within two weeks. On her second admission, a new communication strategy involving clear, simplified written instructions was implemented, which helped her adhere to her treatment plan. This example underlined how improved communication could prevent avoidable complications.
Also speaking at the event was Prof. Ibi Erekosimi, a consultant Renal Physician at Salford Royal University Hospital, Manchester, and UPTH. His lecture, Enhancing Communication Skills in Clinical Practice, emphasized the importance of understanding, collaboration, and coordinated care. He stated that effective communication reduces medical errors and improves patient outcomes. Prof. Erekosimi urged clinicians to engage in active listening, use simple, jargon-free language, and treat patients as individuals, not merely as cases. He concluded by encouraging the use of open-ended questions and the development of reflective listening skills among healthcare professionals.
The lecture concluded on a high note, reinforcing that communication is not just a clinical skill but a cornerstone of quality healthcare.
