Communication Skills for the Health Care Professional, Third Edition is a comprehensive guide to improving patient outcomes through relationship building and the use of information technology to foster communication between patients, families, and health providers. The author examines the context for communication in an evolving health care system and provides the foundations for understanding human and therapeutic communication. Readers will learn critical competencies to ensure quality, patient-centered care as well as skills to manage communication across relevant constituencies. The book also touches on solutions for transforming health care by changing patient behavior and systems of care. Designed for undergraduate students across the health professions, this text provides caregivers with basic communication knowledge and skills and is an invaluable resource for those in administrative functions as well. New & Key Features of the 3rd Edition: Covers principles, concepts, skills, and evidence critical to a broad-base, health professional curricula Teaches communication skills one at a time allowing for contiguous mastery across a set of therapeutic interventions Offers two new chapters that explore advances in health information technology and provide problems on access to and availability of healthcare Includes an extensive glossary of terms and list of references including websites and resources available to enhance student learning