Communication is the initial step in providing an individual with patient care. Patient care can be interrupted in the event of a lack of communication or misunderstanding, unfortunately any interruption can lead to adverse events and/or death. Clinical communication is very different from the basic elements of effective communication. Health communication also requires seven essential steps compared to basic communication which requires fewer steps. Health care communication and adherence improve by building the doctor-patient relationship. Basic Communication Communication begins with two individuals, or an individual and a group. The fundamental elements of communication are the sender's ability to send a message to the recipient, confirm understanding, and receive feedback from the recipient. The difference between effective and basic communication is the recipient's ability to retain and repeat information and/or provide feedback. Health Communication There are many differences between health communication and basic communication; these differences can also lead to different outcomes, for example, lack of clinical communication or misunderstanding can result in adverse events or even death. The medical approach can also impact adherence. Typically a conversation begins by engaging with your listener to establish active listening. However, in the healthcare industry, relating to your patient can be considered offensive, which is why in the article Essential Elements of Communication in Medical Encounters: The Kalamazoo Consensus Statement, Gregory PhD identifies the seven essential sets of communication, which are: building the doctor—relationship with the patient; (2) open the discussion; (3) collect information; (4) understand...... half of the article......son et al, also state, contrary to popular belief that it may take too long, the average time is only 90 seconds - 2 and a half minutes . The article further suggests that active listening and empathy not only promote patient understanding of prognosis and treatment recommendations but also improve compliance rates. (Simpson et al, 1991) Active listening and empathy improve patient compliance and satisfaction by reducing patient anxiety. In conclusion, improving provider-patient relationships leads to better communication; a patient would be more comfortable sharing problems creating a window to provide better patient care. Allowing the patient to express and end concerns without interruption further conveys to the patient that the healthcare provider is listening. A patient who is involved in his or her own care is more likely to adhere to therapy.