Communicating with interdisciplinary professionals

Abstract Effective communication is central to the success of psychiatric care in correctional settings. Psychiatrists must play a leadership role in ensuring the interdisciplinary collaboration that will result in improved treatment outcomes and efficient institutional operations. Correctional psychiatrists must be cognizant of the opportunities and barriers to effective communication existing at multiple levels, from front-line staff to the facility’s leadership. Through an understanding of how the correctional culture impacts communication and by recognizing the importance of communication in interdisciplinary collaboration, correctional psychiatrists can model effective communication skills that preserve professional credibility and improve treatment outcomes. This chapter explores ways in which correctional psychiatrists can model effective communication styles and strategies that enhance professional credibility, improve treatment, and thereby reduce risk.