Theraputic Communication - (exemplar) Flashcards
Therapeutic communication
Communication that is a goal directed and focused dialogue between nurse and patient, specifically fitted to the needs of the patient
purpose of therapeutic communication?
Help patient cope more effectively
main requirement of therapeutic communication?
active listening
when dealing with therapeutic communication what are some characteristics and purpose?
- Focus of client centered approach - focus on the clients needs\
- Goal directed (patients and nurses together)
- Define rules and boundaries (pt is not your best friend)
- Individualized strategies
- non judgement
Why is timing important regarding emotional readiness, and energy conservation
emotional readiness - can’t explain to someone if there are in a high stress environment because they wont get everything out of the conversation.
Energy conservation - what is there level of needs, concious, what trauma, able to talk
what are the characteristics of verbal communication misinterpretation?
Function of language: verbal symbols letters we share to validate our feelings about the world
2. cultural & gender differences: how it is sent and received can affect communication
3. English as a second language: allow time for translation between messages
4. Paralanguage: vocaliations, pitch tone, signing, affects how it is interpereted
5. Slang and Jargon: avoid slang with patients (professional)
What are the characteristics of nonverbal communication misinterpretation?
- Body language (proxemic): patients and their own
- Cultural & gender differences:
- Interpreting cues and facial expressions:
- Different cultures have different ideas on Hand gestures, eye contact, and touch - Clothing /grooming:
- shows, mental status, age, function ect
what does Verbal and nonverbal techniques to facilitate therapeutic communication require?
active listening
1. hears message
2. decodes meaning
3. provides feedback
4. soler position
what does soler position stand for?
S: sit square – face patient
O: open posture – no crossed arms
L: lean forward
E: eye contact – comfort to the
person you are talking to
R: relax no fidgeting
What are open ended, closed and focused questions to start therapeutic communication
open ended = how? what? never use why, may feel attacked
- cannot answer yes or no
Closed ended = did? will? yes or no questions
focused = more limiting (what is you birthdate
when doing a communication assessment what do you have to take into consideration?
verbal
written
non verbal
sensory limitations
environment
developmental level
When talking to infants how do you communicate with them?
nonverbal, gentle motion, parents are partners, slow & soft voice, sit at level or hold in arms when trust is established
When talking to toddlers age 1-3 years how do you communicate with them?
brief & clear, simple complete sentence in the child’s words, no “baby” talk, show hands, allow some choices (do you want a half or whole glass of milk?), address parents first in voice and in location, sit down and join the child in play
When talking to preschoolers age 3-5 years how do you communicate with them?
simple words, brief and concrete explanations, play therapy for explanations (doll or bear), provide choices, attending posture (presence), tell jokes
When talking to school age 5-10 years how do you communicate with them?
include child in care & explanations, draw pictures, use some of their words, privacy.
When talking to 11 or older how do you communicate with them?
abstract thinking can be used, but to a minimum, use humor, privacy, state limits of confidentiality, allow participation in decision making, attending posture, active listening
when talking to an elder, how do you communicate?
- No demeaning terms
- include them in the conversation
- use normal mannerisms
- touch as appropriate
- energy level - decreased
when talking to the visually impaired , how do you communicate?
a. let them know when and who is entering and leaving their area
b. normal tone of voice
c. explain touching before it is done
d. orient to environment, call light with in reach
e. if partial vision, stay in visual field
f. ambulate with the patient holding your arm
g. may use braille, books on tape, music, read to patient
when talking to someone with hearing loss , how do you communicate?
orient patient to your presence by vision or touch
b. if us hearing aids, batteries working and they should be in
c. position yourself appropriately so they can see you
d. do not cover your face
e. speak distinctly without extra words, do not chew gum
when talking to the speech or language deficits , how do you communicate?
ask them to repeat
b. use yes/no questions if need information
c. allow extra time for processing
d. short frequent interactions
