Therapeutic Communication Flashcards
Maintaining an appropriate but comfortable physical distance to avoid
intimidation while ensuring a supportive presence.
Reducing distance
Paying attention to what the patient truly means rather than just their
words.
• 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
techniques to help build trust, comfort, and cooperation between healthcare
providers and patients.
THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
