Communication in Healthcare

Vivienne JosephsIntroduction to Health Knowledge2011

Learning Outcome 3 Lecturer: Vivienne Josephs Semester 2.

2011

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: safe2.Structured: e.g. assessing patients,

interviewing etc3.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 (3rd ed.) Chatswood: Elsevier

Hally, M.B (2009). A guide for international nursing students in Australia and New Zealand. Elsevier. Australia