The authors identified several key differences in the way nurses and physicians communicated with each other: • Assertiveness: The study found that physicians tended to be more assertive in their communication with nurses compared to nurses. Physicians were more likely to interrupt nurses and speak in a direct and authoritative manner. • Questioning: Nurses were more likely to ask questions of physicians, seeking clarification or additional information, than physicians were to ask nurses. • Use of jargon: The study found that physicians tended to use more medical jargon in their communication than nurses, which could be a barrier to effective communication between the two professions. • Tone of voice: Nurses were more likely to use a softer, more nurturing tone of voice when communicating with patients, while physicians tended to use a more matter-of-fact tone.