Communication in Healthcare: Charting the Course to Better Outcomes With Trust, Respect, and Teamwork

by Anne Marie Morse

Have you ever had a conversation in a healthcare setting and come away from it thinking… Say, WHAT?! In Communication in Charting the Course to Better Outcomes with Trust, Respect, and Teamwork, Dr. Anne-Marie Morse seeks to eliminate those “say, what?!” moments and improve clarity in communication between healthcare partners and patients.

Using a simple metaphor of a vehicle on a road for the wellness journey, Dr. Morse explains how to put the patient at the wheel, with the healthcare partner as the car’s Guiding Partner Specialist. Rather than patient-centered care, she advocates for patient-directed care, informed by mutual respect, accountability, and awareness of all parties involved in the wellness journey.

Each chapter addresses a different stage in the wellness journey, from preparing for a first appointment to handling the outcomes of test results. Throughout, Dr. Morse provides a diversity of case studies, told through fictional narrative anecdotes, that cover a wide range of patient populations, illnesses, and contexts. Through this lens, practitioners and patients of all kinds may be able to identify themselves—and, in finding moments of resonance, identify areas in which they can finetune their own healthcare communication.

The chapters are supplemented with practical resources, from communication checklists to emotional intelligence self-assessments. Tools are provided for both patients and healthcare partners, emphasizing the fact that good communication requires the active participation of all parties. Dr. Morse also addresses common hurdles that are bigger than any individual, articulating factors that can influence healthcare communication, from the media formats used to individual cultural, religious, and socio-economic situations.

Ultimately, Dr. Morse lays the groundwork for a brighter future for patients and healthcare partners, in which technology can supplement communication while never replacing the humanity that underscores communication best practices.

Genres: Nonfiction

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

Reviews

[Ariana · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a student pursuing psychology, I found this book to be an incredibly insightful read, offering valuable guidance for how to navigate social interactions that I might come across in the future. Although, at this time, I am still in my early years and my profession might differ from those in healthcare, I still felt like this was a very impactful book to read and gave me a glimpse into what I might expect further down the road! The use of short fictional stories that draw from common situations healthcare partners (HCPs) or patients might face were very eye-opening, showing how impactful communication can be on both sides. It emphasized the importance of being organized, honest, and providing a safe, open space where information can be shared freely and effectively. I like how the author’s perspective wasn’t one-sided and by examining both the HCP’s and the patient’s viewpoint, it made me realize how essential it is to build trust, establish clear communication, and approach each situation with empathy. These lessons can also be applied to many areas of life and settings. Overall, I feel that I have deepened my understanding of the healthcare world and how I can approach these interactions with a greater sense of purpose and awareness. This was an awesome read and I definitely recommend to those pursuing a career in healthcare, those that are a patient, those that just want to learn more, and anything like it!

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Roadmap to Better Healthcare Conversations...

Dr. Anne-Marie Morse's Communication in Healthcare: Charting the Course to Better Outcomes with Trust, Respect, and Teamwork offers a genuinely helpful take on making healthcare interactions less stressful and more productive. She uses this clever road trip metaphor—patients are drivers, healthcare pros are navigators—to show how mutual respect and teamwork can turn scary medical appointments into something that actually feels manageable.

The book really shines because it mixes heart with practical advice. Morse includes fictional scenarios that feel incredibly real, plus there are checklists and quick assessments you can actually use right away. She tackles the messy stuff too—cultural barriers, broken systems—but never gets preachy or pessimistic about it. Her main point? Good communication still matters, and it can genuinely change outcomes. If you're a patient who wants straight answers or a healthcare worker trying to connect better with people, you'll find this both down-to-earth and encouraging.

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful tool
If you’re interested in healthcare or you work in healthcare, I believe that you should read “Communication in Healthcare”. Anne Marie Rose has penned a practical and helpful book with her experiences and knowledge about patients, how to treat them and communicate with them while they’re in any treatment. Her lemma has to do with patient-directed care, she's interested in patients’ wellness and in fluid communication. In every chapter, she shares anecdotes and case studies to show the way she works and the way patients respond to treatments. I believe that it’s really useful for practitioners to learn how to cope with patients and their conditions.
The content of the book is very interesting because it encapsulates different aspects regarding healthcare. There is theory that backs up everything and also practical examples that help readers understand the process. I thoroughly recommend it.

[Ivana S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Anne-Marie Morse delivers a compelling and refreshingly human-centered approach to healthcare communication. Communication in Healthcare is a guide and a mindset shift. Readers will appreciate how she reframes the doctor-patient relationship with the clever “GPS” metaphor, emphasizing collaboration and mutual respect. The fictional case studies make complex topics relatable, while practical tools like checklists and self-assessments give readers actionable takeaways. Whether you're a patient navigating care or a practitioner striving for better outcomes, this book resonates deeply. It acknowledges the emotional, cultural, and systemic layers of communication, while still offering hope and clarity. It's practical, insightful, and, at times, even a bit heartwarming.
In a world of rushed consultations and digital overload, Communication in Healthcare reminds us that empathy, understanding, and listening still matter most. A thoughtful and timely read for anyone involved in care.

[It's.about.the.books · Rating 2 out of 5]

Working in healthcare for over 20 years, I was really looking forward to reading Communication in Healthcare by Anne Marie Morse. I am always keen to learn new things and was hoping this book would add to my current knowledge. Alas, I am sorry to say I did not gain anything from reading this book. In fact, I would go so far as to say, Communication in Healthcare was a disappointment. Ann Marie Morse lost all credibility for me when she referred to herself as the "Dr on TikTok". From there, it was all downhill. This book was incredibly basic at best, and a self-congratulatory project at worst. It may appeal to students within healthcare or patients. But, I do not feel it contributed to the current communication research.

Thank you @forbesbooks and @netgalley for an eARC of Communication in Healthcare by Anne Marie Morse. Opinions are my own.

[Rodrigo J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speaking to heal better

This book made me think about how important the way we communicate with healthcare professionals really is. Many times, people feel lost, not knowing what questions to ask or how to explain what they are feeling. What I liked most is that the book shows that communication is not just about receiving instructions, but about being an active participant in the whole process. The idea that the patient is the one driving their own path and the doctor is a guide who supports them seemed very accurate to me. It is written in clear language with easy-to-understand examples. This book helped me feel more confident to express myself, ask questions, and also listen better. I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve how they communicate within the healthcare system.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure how I feel about this book communications in Healthcare by Anne Marie Morse.
I find it upsetting that her case studies dont finish or state end results as she describes her interpretation of what she seems to blame the patients. I find that she needs to address the patients' responsibility to listen and make sure they are prepared and listen, but she isn't listening to what patients feel. I did learn a few things from this book, but not enough. I was very disappointed.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Medicine is a constantly evolving field, so much so that we often forget the simplest aspect: patient care. I think we're so accustomed to traditional medicine that this book undoubtedly challenged what we took for granted. This author includes stories and anecdotes from patients, which prove her theory correct: communication and patient care are fundamental. I really like and recommend this reading because its explanations are clear and dinamic.

[Daniel Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book.

I really liked this book and its focus on how the author wants to make a difference in the patient community and among healthcare professionals. What he proposes is simple: that we, the patients, can be the center of care, and also the GPS. What he proposes is a relationship of trust, respect, and, above all, teamwork. I think this book is very valuable and has a beautiful message that I'm sure can help many people.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personally, I think this refreshing guide can be for anyone involved in healthcare. The metaphor Dr. Morse used to explain about collaboration and other things, which is really good. Simple and anyone can get what she is saying. Also, I think sharing real stories goes far more as a simple theory guide. The book also gives tools to improve communication. She focuses on core values such as respect, accountability.

[Lina Perea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helping to create a better healthcare system

Communication in Healthcare is a book that invites readers to think and reflect on the healthcare system and on the relationship between patients, doctors, or any person who, in one way or another, is involved in the provision of healthcare services. The outcome of this relationship is definitely shared, and everyone involved carries a significant degree of responsibility.
Through practical case studies, Morse, the author of the book, illustrates the reality of the patient–healthcare system relationship, encouraging readers to reflect on it and decide what attitude they want to adopt to improve it, rather than being merely passive agents.

[Chico's Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well put together book. It was highly informative but very easy to understand. It is very important to understand the role of communication in healthcare and the author explained it very well. The topic about EQ was interesting because not because you have a high IQ means you have high EQ too. Showing the importance of having self awareness and the other foundational elements of EQ was great. It does not only work with the healthcare system but also any service-related field. I did a self assessment for EQ and it was a good number, it makes me proud. If you want to measure yours there's a link in the book, well a QR code. The way that the author added resources at the end of the book was so helpful too. 

[Ruba Abu Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Communication in Healthcare’ by Anne Marie Morse is useful for patients and healthcare students.

I was particularly intrigued by the narrative case studies.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-ARC.

[Angely · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt unfocused. The author wanted to speak to both patients and providers, but it didn’t go deep enough into either perspective. As someone who works in healthcare comms and manages a chronic condition, I was hoping for more practical insights or cohesive guidance.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reminder about how important communication is in the realm of healthcare. I appreciated the author’s real world insight.

[Shannon Peelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting and some good advice.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

This book shows how good communication, trust, and teamwork can really improve patient care. It’s full of practical tips and easy to read—great for anyone in healthcare wanting to work better together.