Health Law and Effective Patient Communication

Nabirye Amina Okwir

Faculty of Business and Management Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

The intersection of health law and patient communication represents a critical axis in modern healthcare systems. This paper investigates how legal frameworks, ethical standards, and communication practices collectively influence patient experiences, outcomes, and trust in healthcare. It delves into the complexities shaped by socio-cultural factors, privacy concerns, and the historical roots of informed consent, emphasizing how these issues affect patients’ willingness to seek and adhere to care. The role of healthcare professionals in fostering effective communication through cultural sensitivity, active listening, and ethical conduct is assessed in tandem with the legal principles governing confidentiality, consent, and patient rights. Special attention is given to barriers impeding communication and the growing influence of digital technologies in clinical interactions. Through legal analysis and healthcare communication theory, the paper proposes integrated strategies to enhance communication, ensure legal compliance, and improve health outcomes. Ultimately, fostering trust through legally-informed, empathetic communication can serve as a foundation for equitable and ethical healthcare delivery.

Keywords: Health law, Patient communication, Informed consent, Confidentiality Patient rights, Legal frameworks, Nurse-patient relationship.

CITE AS: Nabirye Amina Okwir (2025). Health Law and Effective Patient Communication. IAA JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION 11(1):8-15. https://doi.org/10.59298/IAAJC/2025/111815