Communication in Healthcare Vivienne JosephsIntroduction to Health Knowledge2011Vivienne JosephsIntroduction to Health Knowledge2011 Learning Outcome 3 Lecturer: Vivienne Josephs Semester

Learning Outcomes Define communication Describe the levels of communication Discuss the forms of communication Discuss the purpose of communication Describe the key aspects of communication Define therapeutic communication Understand the importance of communication in nursing practice

What is communication? ‘the process where messages are conveyed from person to person’ (Hally, 2009)

What is the Purpose of Communication? To establish positive nurse-patient relationships To be effective in expressing interest/concern for patient/family To provide health care information To communicate with colleagues Goal: Shared Meaning

Levels of Communication 1.Social: safe 2.Structured: e.g. assessing patients, interviewing etc 3.Therapeutic: patient focused, purposeful, time limited

What is Therapeutic Communication? ‘a specialised form of communication used in health settings to support, educate and empower people’ (Arnold, 2007 cited in Halley, 2009 A guide for International Nursing Students in Australia and New Zealand)

Forms of Communication Verbal Non verbal

Verbal Communication Vocabulary Shared meanings Culturally sensitive Pace Tone Clarity Timing relevance

Non Verbal Communication Body Language Personal appearance Posture and gait Facial expression Gestures Eye contact Sounds Personal space and touch

Key Aspects of Communication Active Listening – most important Empathy Respect Genuineness Using touch Using silence Paraphrasing and clarifying Culturally sensitive

Good Communication Skills Courtesy Respect Active Listening Culturally sensitive Expressing empathy Using touch Using silence Being genuine

Importance to Nursing Practice To be a safe and competent nursing student, you must be able to demonstrate excellent communication skills Communication is an essential skill in nursing Poor communication can have serious consequences

How well do you communicate? Most people percieve that they communicate really well Quiz pg 154 Donnatelle

References Donatelle.R (2011). Health: The Basics. Pearson Education. Oregon State University Crisp J., & Taylor, C.(Eds). (2009). Potter and Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing (3 rd ed.) Chatswood: Elsevier Hally, M.B (2009). A guide for international nursing students in Australia and New Zealand. Elsevier. Australia