Question

Differentiate between effective and ineffective communication techniques.

Answer 1

communication plays an inevitable role in the interaction between patient and health care professionals in clinical settings.

An effective communication helps health care providers to facilitate better care for the patients by understanding their actual problems. by this patient outcomes would be better, more co-operation, fewer errors, job satisfaction and better time management.

effective communication techniques that would be helpful in health care settings are;

• use of simple language

since the patients are from different sectors of life and educational background, using medical terms for communication is not a good idea. it creates more chance to misinterpretation about certain diseases and their diagnosis. Also, helps to build trust.

• should be precise and clear

ask about their actual problem and more specific.

• open-ended questions

it would be simple for patients to reflect their actual condition and symptoms

• understand non-verbal signs

facial and body expressions are important in effective communication.do not ask the patient whether he/she understand what we teach..because they may respond positively even if they did not.

• teach-back method

in this method, health care providers explain information clear and accurate, educate illiterate patients and improves understanding.

• use of technology

use correct technology and avoid vague language and emoticons while providing a serious communication, it is professionalism.

• be a good listener and empathize

non-judgemental advice and support from health professionals helps patients to open-up their feelings.

• establish a dialogue

it helps to determine whether the patient has positive or negative attitudes towards diagnosis and treatment. To patients who are not willing to treat health care workers can provide knowledge about the effectiveness of treatment.

however, ineffective communication disrupts the nurse-patient relationship.

such techniques are, d

• disapproving
• defensing
• belittling the expressed feelings
• poor decision -making
• inappropriate use of languages
• using medical terms