PATIENT ASSESSMENT AND Communication Flashcards by Kate Shanley Advincula

Act or process of using words, sounds, and signs to express or exchange information or to express your ideas, thoughts, and feelings to someone else.

to convey information accurately, to express oneself clearly, and to have an interchange of ideas and information with others.

Accurate communication is essential for both im-mediate and ongoing patient care.

COMMUNICATION

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has profound effects on our attitudes and on the ways in which we communicate and perceive others.

When cultural differences are not recognized and respected, relationships suffer, and communication becomes much less effective.

Culture

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ISSUES OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Impact of Cultural Diversity

Challenges:

Language barriers, cultural differences, and misunderstandings Social integration and acceptance issues.

Opportunities:

Diversity fosters creativity, innovation, and a richer society. Exposure to different perspectives improves problem-solving and collaboration.

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Cultural Diversity in Health Care

Health Disparities
Legislative Action
Role of Hospitals & Staff

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Studies show that race and ethnicity affect healthcare outcomes.

Minority groups often experience less access to quality care

Health Disparities:

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Laws are being introduced to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare.

Legislative Action:

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Plan for better transcultural care.

Train staff to develop cultural competence (understanding and respecting different culture)

Role of Hospitals & Staff

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• RT must be aware of cultural differences in verbal and nonverbal communication

• Consider cultural differences in regards of distance and respect for personal space

• If there is doubt in appropriateness, do not use humor

CULTURAL VARIATIONS

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Patients Requiring a Greater Use of Communication Skills

seriously ill or injured patients
traumatized patients
patients with impaired vision, hearing, or speech
infants and children
foreign language speaking patients
Elderly and infirm patients
physically impaired patients
mentally impaired patients
alcohol and drug abusers

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CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMMUNICATION

Verbal
non-verbal

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spoken rather than written
involves what is being said
must involve personalization and respect

VERBAL COMMUNICATION

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radiographer’s vocal volume, fluency and pattern
involves the tone and rate of speech

-Loud, rapid speech is very
uncomfortable for the sick patient. Use a well-modulated tone

paralanguage

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non-spoken, through actions and gestures

radiographer must face the patient and make eye contact when communicating

involves:
-facial expression
-professional appearance
-orderliness of the x-ray room the preparation and efficiency of the radiographer

nonverbal communication

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NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE

Importance of non-verbal communication

eye contact and touch

appearance and professionalism

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•Conveys emotions and attitudes beyond words.
•Influenced by cultural backgrounds and learned behaviors.

•Examples:
• Frowns, clenched fists - Anger or disapproval.
Avoiding eye contact - Submission or rejection.
• Leaning forward - Interest and engagement.

Importance of Nonverbal Communication

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•In the U.S., it signals honesty and interest.
•Some cultures find direct eye contact disrespectful.

Eye Contact

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•Can convey comfort, support, or authority.

•Must consider cultural and personal boundaries.

•Always inform the patient before touching to avoid discomfort.

Touch

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Professional dress builds patient confidence

A clean, organized environment shows respects for patients.

Appearance & Professionalism

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VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN HEALTHCARE

Effective Verbal skill
attitude and assertiveness
validating communication

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Speak clearly and adjust language based on the listener background

Use face-to-face communication for better understanding.

Effective Verbal Skill

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Messages are influenced more by tone and body language than words.

Assertiveness (not aggression) helps in professional and patient interactions.

Attitude & Assertiveness

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• Confirm understanding by asking for a response.

Example: “Did you read the consent form? What did it say?”

Validating Communication

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techniques to help build trust, comfort, and cooperation between healthcare providers and patients.

THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION

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• Maintaining an appropriate but comfortable physical distance to avoid intimidation while ensuring a supportive presence.

Reducing distance

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• Paying attention to what the patient truly means rather than just theirwords. Example: If a patient says, "I just want to go home," they may be feeling anxious or hopeless about their condition.

Responding to the Underlying Message

Repeating or paraphrasing the patient's statements to confirm understanding. Example: Patient: "I feel like no one is listening to me." "Radiographer: "You feel like your concerns are not being heard?"

Restating the main idea

Encouraging the patient to explore their thoughts by directing the statement back to them. Example: • Patient: "I don't know if I should take this test. Radiographer: "What are your concerns about taking the test?"

Reflecting the Main idea

Actively listening without interrupting, using verbal and non-verbal cues (nodding, eye contact, "I see," "Go on").

Using Listening

Setting clear expectations to help the patient feel secure. Example: "I'll explain each step of the procedure before we begin."

Establish Guidelines

• Asking questions to ensure understanding. Example: "Can you tell me more about where you feel the pain?"

Seeking and Providing Clarification

Noticing and commenting on the patient's behavior. Example: "You seem anxious. Would you like to talk about it?"

Making Observations

Confirming what the patient says to ensure accuracy and understanding. Example: "So, you've been feeling dizzy since yesterday?"

Validating

Directing the conversation to important details. Example: "You mentioned having pain. Can you describe where exactly it hurts?"

Focusing

THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION

reducing distance responding to underlying message restating the main idea reflecting the main idea using listening establish guidelines seeking and providing clarification making observations validating focusing

NON - Therapeutic communication

disagreeing with the patient Expressing disapproval defending changing the topic giving unsolicited advice rejection false assurance

These behaviors can harm patient trust, increase anxiety, and lead to poor communication.

NON-THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION

Contradicting or arguing with the patient's feelings or beliefs, which may make them defensive.

Disagreeing with the Patient

Judging or making negative comments about the patient's feelings or choices. Example: "You shouldn't feel that way."

Expressing disapproval

• Protecting someone or something (like a hospital policy) instead of acknowledging the patient's concerns. Example: "Our doctors always do what's best for patients."

Defending

Avoiding or shifting away from what the patient is trying to discuss. Patient: "I'm worried about my test results." Radiographer: "How was your weekend?"

Changing the Topic

Offering solutions without the patient asking, which can make them feel powerless. Example: "If I were you, I would just relax."

Giving unsolicited advice

Ignoring or dismissing the patient's concerns.

Rejection

Giving unrealistic or overly optimistic statements. Example: "Don't worry, everything will be fine," when the outcome is uncertain.

False Assurance

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH THE PATIENT

addressing the patient providing valid choices avoiding assumption assessment through communication

First contact should be professional and respectful (e.g., "Good morning, Mr. Torres. I'm Lynn Smith, the radiographer."). Avoid using terms like "honey" or "sweetie," as they may feel impersonal or demeaning. Some facilities prefer using first names in public areas for confidentiality. Always verify a patient's full name and date of birth using two identifiers.

Addressing the Patient

Involve patients in their care by offering real choices, not false ones Small choices empower patients, making them feel involved and respected.

Providing Valid Choices

Never assume a patient understands instructions-ask them to explain back. Patients may have additional medical conditions affecting their ability to follow directions or complete procedures. Clarify preparation steps to ensure compliance.

Avoiding Assumptions

Observe patients to assess their cognitive and physical abilities. Look for signs of confusion, hearing difficulties, or language barriers. Effective communication builds trust, improves cooperation, and enhances patient care.

Assessment Through Communication

Reflexive behavior; respond to voice, face, and touch. Keep infants warm; involve parents to reduce anxiety. Hold infants when parents are absent. Recognize separation anxiety at 9 months.

Neonates & Infants (0-1 year)

Limited communication; use short, simple instructions. Allow choices, when possible, to reduce resistance. Use a friendly but firm approach; keep familiar objects nearby. Demonstrate instead of verbal instructions

Toddlers (1-3 years)

Growing independence but fear loss of control. Give simple choices to promote cooperation. Avoid negative phrasing (e.g., "This won't hurt"). Use demonstrations for better understanding. Praise and reward good behavior

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

Think logically; need clear, concrete explanations. Be honest about pain or discomfort. Use demonstrations or models to explain procedures.

School Age (6-12 years)

Use proper medical terminology and involve them in decisions. Establish rapport by discussing hobbies and interests.

Adolescents (13-18 years)

Think logically; need clear, concrete explanations. Be honest about pain or discomfort. Use demonstrations or models to explain procedures.

Young Adults (19-30 years)

Experiencing physical and cognitive changes. Allow choices; be mindful of sensory impairments.

Middle Adults (40-65 years)

Avoid ageism; assess each patient individually. Accommodate sensory deficits (hearing aids, glasses, lighting). Speak slowly, use low-pitched tones, and provide extra time. Ensure safety-assist with movement and avoid rushing them.

Late and Old Adults (65+ years)

COMMUNICATION with patients family

importance of family presence effective communication strategies handling emotional reaction managing difficult situation

Provides emotional support for the patient. Can assist with patient care and instructions. May have questions or concerns about procedures.

Importance of Family presence

Provide practical information (procedure time, delays, directions). Ensure clear instructions for caregivers of minors or incapacitated patients. Limit family presence during procedures for safety and efficiency. Use discretion when speaking near waiting areas.

Effective Communication Strategies

Recognize that anxiety can cause aggression or withdrawal. Respond to anger with reassurance, not defensiveness. Refer medical inquiries to physicians but show empathy

Handling Emotional Reactions

Guide families on necessary tasks (forms, calls). Seek social services or chaplain support if needed. Security intervention as a last resort for hostility

Managing Difficult Situations