Communication in healthcare is a treatment method

Communication in healthcare is not merely a “soft skill.” It is increasingly recognized as a human centered, healing, and protective force.

Emphasizing that the relationship healthcare professionals establish with patients directly affects the treatment process, Communication Specialist Şaban Özdemir stated: “I see communication in healthcare as a part of treatment. Those working in healthcare should not deprive their patients, clients, or people in need of this treatment method.”

An event titled “Effective Speaking, Oratory, and Making Yourself Heard” was organized by the Perfusion Club, which operates under the Health, Culture, and Sports (SKS) Department of Üsküdar University. Communication Specialist Şaban Özdemir attended the event as a guest speaker. The event highlighted that communication in healthcare is not just a soft skill but a healing and protective power that places human beings at the center.

During the talk, which attracted great interest from healthcare students, Özdemir emphasized that the way healthcare professionals communicate with patients directly influences treatment outcomes. He noted that strong communication increases patients’ sense of trust, which in turn activates the placebo effect.

Patients expect compassion before information

Özdemir stated that a significant portion of violence incidents in healthcare settings stem from communication failures. He explained that patients often seek a compassionate voice, a calm tone, and a feeling of being understood before medical information.

“Many of the violent incidents we witness in healthcare today are caused by communication accidents. Of course, there are systemic problems, but setting those aside, I want to emphasize this especially because you are future healthcare professionals. I believe strong communication in healthcare has a placebo effect. Patients wait for a reassuring, compassionate tone from healthcare staff. Patients should not be seen merely as clinical cases. You may have the latest technology and work in well-equipped medical facilities, but simply prescribing medication goes no further than providing a chemical substance. I see communication in healthcare as part of the treatment. We should not deprive our patients, clients, or those who need us of this.”

Breathing is our greatest weapon

Pointing out that most communication is established not through words but through body language, tone of voice, and intonation, Özdemir stated that nearly 90 percent of communication occurs beyond words.

“The correct intonation is about giving words their true meaning,” he said, explaining that a word can only convey emotion when delivered with the right sound, tone, and emphasis.

“Our greatest weapon is breathing. We must use breath correctly, economically, and efficiently. You take the breath, pass it through the throat, and carry the vibration of the vocal cords to the mask area. When the sound is placed there, it resonates more fully, sounds more pleasant, and does not strain the vocal cords. You can speak longer and more comfortably without fatigue. Many teachers develop vocal cord nodules because they do not use diaphragmatic breathing correctly and overload their vocal cords. Broadcasters, presenters, and professionals who work with their voices do not strain their vocal cords excessively because they place the sound in the mask area and control intonation there.”

A positive approach strengthens communication

Emphasizing the importance of sincerity in communication, Özdemir continued: “Just as languages speak, so do brains. As Prof. Nevzat Tarhan also emphasizes, there are mirror neurons in the brain. If there is sincerity in communication, the brains interact as well. As we understand, recognize, and trust each other, perhaps it sounds ambitious, but we truly begin to become one. This allows me to sense the other person’s reaction in advance. Because they trust you, they open themselves up. You begin to resemble one another. Communication flows sincerely. Communication is, in a sense, an exchange of intentions. When intentions are open and sincere, energy emerges. The energy of two people turns into synergy. I am a positive person by nature and I love being positive. Being positive shapes the course of communication and strengthens it. My greatest fuel is positivity and positive energy. This is actually one of the fundamental rules of communication. The effort to remain positive.”

Excitement must be managed correctly

Özdemir also addressed stage fright and excitement, stating that excitement is not something to suppress. When managed correctly, it becomes an energy that fuels success. He emphasized the importance of channeling excitement properly into voice, body language, and facial expressions.

Pen exercise and the power of breath

Sharing the “pen technique” he uses for articulation and diction exercises with examples from his own life, Özdemir underlined that correct breathing is the most fundamental element that protects and strengthens the voice. He emphasized that diaphragmatic breathing and placing the voice in the mask area are vital for healthy and effective communication, especially for healthcare professionals and educators.

Great interest by students

The event was held at İbni Sina Auditorium at Üsküdar University NP Health Campus, with moderation by Prof. Ali Kocailik, Head of the Perfusion Department at the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The program, which attracted strong interest from students, concluded interactively with a question-and-answer session. At the end of the event, Şaban Özdemir was presented with a certificate of appreciation.