By get-talent.eu
Healthcare is a team sport. In a modern European hospital, a single patient might be seen by a nurse, a doctor, a physiotherapist, a pharmacist, and a social worker—all within a few hours.
If you are securing jobs in the EU through a staffing agency, you aren’t just being hired for your individual brilliance; you are being hired for your ability to function in this team.
The challenge? You might be working in a second language, navigating cultural differences, and dealing with high-stress situations. This is where Interprofessional Communication becomes your most critical tool.
The Flat Hierarchy of Northern Europe
One of the biggest culture shocks for clinicians moving to places like Scandinavia, the Netherlands, or finding jobs in Germany, is the flattening of the hierarchy.
In many non-EU systems, the doctor’s word is law. In Europe, nurses and allied health professionals are expected to speak up, challenge decisions, and offer expertise.
- The Expectation: A pharmacist will correct a prescription error. A nurse will flag a deteriorating patient to a consultant directly.
- The Risk: If you stay silent out of “respect” for hierarchy, it can be viewed as passivity or lack of engagement.
The Standard Tool: SBAR
To standardize communication across diverse teams, most EU hospitals use SBAR. It cuts through the noise and language barriers.
Let’s look at how to use SBAR when speaking to an Allied Health colleague (e.g., a Physiotherapist).
Scenario: A nurse needs a physio to see a post-op patient who is refusing to mobilize.
| Step | Component | What to Say |
| S | Situation | “Hi, this is [Name]. I’m calling about Mr. Miller in Bed 5. He is refusing to get out of bed today.” |
| B | Background | “He is Day 2 post-op total knee replacement. He received pain meds 1 hour ago, but says he is scared of falling.” |
| A | Assessment | “I think his pain is managed, but his anxiety is the barrier. He needs professional reassurance on technique.” |
| R | Recommendation | “Can you come see him before lunch to attempt mobilization with the walker?” |
Closed-Loop Communication
When receiving instructions—especially regarding medication or critical values—use Closed-Loop Communication.
- Sender: “Give 1mg of Adrenaline IV push.”
- Receiver: “I am giving 1mg of Adrenaline IV push.”
- Sender: “Correct.”
This simple feedback loop prevents the “Did they say 1mg or 10mg?” errors that happen in loud emergency rooms.
Navigating Language Barriers
If you are working in jobs in Poland or Germany and are not yet fluent, interprofessional communication can be daunting.
- Don’t Fake It: If a colleague speaks too fast, say: “Please repeat that slowly.”
- Use Standard Terminology: Stick to Latin-based medical terms (e.g., “Hypertension” instead of “High blood pressure”) as these are often universal across European languages.
The Recruitment Perspective
Why does a recruitment agency in Europe care about this?
Because “communication breakdown” is the #1 cause of sentinel events in hospitals.
When we interview candidates, we look for those who can describe how they collaborate. We want to hear: “I consulted with the dietician regarding the patient’s healing,” or “I coordinated with the social worker for discharge.”
Conclusion
Effective communication is not about having a perfect accent; it’s about clarity, structure, and confidence. By using tools like SBAR and embracing the team-based culture of European healthcare, you become an indispensable asset to your colleagues and a champion for your patients.
References:
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Framework for Action on Interprofessional Education & Collaborative Practice.
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) – SBAR Tool.
- The Joint Commission – National Patient Safety Goals.