Foundations of Communication

Communication is the act of transmitting –Information communicated –A verbal or written message –A process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior

Why Communicate? Establish and maintain relationships To persuade and change attitudes or behavior Develop an understanding of other people Problem solve

Elements of Communication Process Sender – creator of message Message – verbal or nonverbal stimuli Receiver – If there is no one to receive the message, communication is incomplete

Two Types of Communication Verbal Communication verbal message – speaking to someone written communication – it is important to spell correctly, use proper grammar and write in a clear and concise manner The correct way to make a correction when writing in a medical chart is: error cl Rayn Ryan

Nonverbal communication 1. all messages that are not expressed as words. - eye contact: shows that you are paying attention - facial expressions: can relay a different message than what you are saying

- Gestures: convey interest and a lack of interest; can be used to emphasize or get attention - touch: can convey caring, warmth, concern and tenderness…can also convey anger, rejection and distaste

Barriers to Effective Communication Defense mechanisms –Compensation – substitution of one goal for another goal to achieve success –Denial – refusal to believe –Displacement of anger – feelings about one person are transferred to another –Projection – blame for one’s behavior is placed on someone else or circumstances –Rationalization – use of a reasonable excuse for one’s behavior

Barriers in Health Care Communication –Heavily medicated clients –Clients with hearing or visual impairments –Slang and words with double meanings –Clients with limited English –Medical Terminology –Mental or physiological condition

Effective Communication Verbal messages must be clear, complete, concise, courteous, and cohesive Nonverbal communication (body language) may change the message

Effective Listening Involves both hearing and interpreting messages Requires focusing on body language and the message being sent May be passive or active –Active listening is very important in the medical profession to gather information ( for example, when interviewing a patient for their medical history.

A Patient-centered Approach You want to admit an elderly lady with abdominal pain for a series of investigations, but she is resistant to coming into hospital. Indicate which of the following reasons might account for this. 1. She is frightened that she is seriously ill. 2. She does not like to leave her cat on its own. 3. She is vegetarian and is worried that she won’t be able to eat hospital food. 4. She does not want anyone to know that she snores. 5. She cannot afford a new nightgown.

Answer: Any one of the reasons could explain the lady’s resistance to being admitted.

Conveying a Positive Attitude Health care professionals must be aware of their own bias and attitudes when sending and receiving both verbal and nonverbal messages to avoid interfering with quality client care

Positive Attitude Receiver must have trust in the sender before they accept a message If a patient feels a health care professional does not know what they are talking about, they may not accept the information or treatment

Positive Attitude Be willing to say “I don’t know, but I will find that information for you” when asked a question for which you do not have knowledge.

Clinicians should aim to keep explanations as clear and as concise as possible. That doesn’t mean dismissing patients with a short ‘We will need to test your urine’. It means giving them the information they want but not more information than they need or require. So ‘I’d like to test your urine so I can see if the problems you are having are due to an infection' is better than ‘I want to test your urine for white blood cells and bacteria’. use ‘layman’s terms’ wherever possible explain medical terminology whenever possible keep words and sentences short check understanding by asking