Impacto de la comunicación efectiva bidireccional entre el personal de salud y los pacientes: una revisión sistemática

Two-way effective communication in healthcare is recognized as a fundamental determinant of clinical outcomes, yet gaps persist between theoretical knowledge and professional practice, contributing to adverse events and raising concerns about public health. The objective of this review was to analyze the impact of two-way communication between healthcare personnel and patients, identifying its essential components, structural barriers, and strategies for strengthening it. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020, with searches in PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, Dialnet, Google Scholar, and specialized journals (2020–2025). Of the initial 40 references, 26 articles were included based on rigorous selection criteria. The findings indicate that effective communication is associated with greater therapeutic adherence, reduced clinical errors, improved patient satisfaction, and more favorable recovery processes. Among the essential components identified, empathy and health literacy appropriateness stand out. The main barriers identified include excessive workload, limited consultation time, insufficient training in communication skills, and cultural and linguistic differences. Likewise, it was observed that the use of digital technologies, including social media, contributes to improving interaction and access to health information, although it still requires greater professional involvement. In conclusion, two-way communication constitutes an ethical and clinical pillar of healthcare quality; strengthening it requires multilevel interventions that integrate individual capabilities, institutional policies, and technological strategies to optimize safety and health outcomes.