The remarkable #hellomynameis campaign was established in 2013 by Dr Kate Granger, who following an admission to hospital for cancer treatment noticed a fundamental aspect of communication was being missed: health professionals were failing to introduce themselves before providing her care. One of the most basic steps in effective communication was being overlooked. Dr Granger started the #hellomynameis campaign, initially using social media, with an aim to encourage and remind health-care staff about the importance of introductions and friendly communication in a health-care environment (Granger, 2016).
Becoming a midwife
Student midwives spend 3 years on a pre-registration midwifery programme, learning the basic principles of how to be a midwife, being introduced to women as a student midwife, and being accompanied by a midwifery mentor. Then the day arrives when you turn up to work, with a badge that says ‘midwife’, a uniform that identifies you as a midwife and legal documentation to permit you to work as a midwife. No more student title, no more midwifery mentor, no more exams or assignment deadlines to meet… you have passed!
Of course, you have to introduce yourself. I remember the first day I had to say, ‘Hello, my name is Jonathan and I am the midwife who will be caring for you today.’
Communication is such an important aspect of midwifery care. During the pre-registration course, student midwives are taught the fundamental basics of effective communication, but it is not until you qualify that you actually learn how to really communicate when it is just you as a midwife, and the woman for whom you are caring.
During our training we are taught what we call ‘effective communication skills’, but how can we make our ways of communicating effective? It's pretty much a given that we all know how to begin—and often sustain—a conversation, but for communication to be effective we must look past thinking that communication is simply how we talk (Cliffe, 2015).
Boggs (2007: 187) wrote a powerful statement:
‘It is dangerous to assume that words have the same meaning for all persons who hear them.’
The interpretation of the meaning of words and phrases may vary according to the individual's background and experience. O'Carroll and Park (2007: 106) define communication as ‘the process by which information, meanings and feelings are shared by people through the exchange of verbal and non-verbal messages’.
In order for communication to be effective, a holistic, woman-centred approached ought to be used, which involves assessing each woman's individual needs and communication preferences. As midwives, we have a duty to prioritise people, practise effectively, preserve safety and promote professionalism and trust (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2015). Effective communication with the women in our care and our colleagues—along with, to some extent, ourselves through reflective practice—is essential in delivering a high standard of midwifery care.
My pledge
I pledge to use #hellomynameis with every contact I have with women and their families, to effectively communicate by not just creating and sustaining a conversation, but by listening and truly hearing their words and acting accordingly with a holistic, woman-centred approach.