AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |
Back to Blog
The factors in care setting may lead to reduction in quality of nurse–patient communication. It is important for nurses to think about their own experiences when considering cultural differences in communication and how these can challenge health professionals and service users. Culture, background and bias can be good if they allow one to use past experiences to understand something new it is when they change meaning of the message that they interfere with the communication process. Past experiences can change the meaning of the message. Whenever people communicate, there is a tendency to make value judgements regarding those perceived as being different. A smile does not indicate happiness, recognition or agreement. Physical contact between sexes is strictly forbidden in some cultures and can include handshakes, hugging or placing a hand on the arm or shoulder. The use of eye contact, touching and personal space is different in various cultures and rules about eye contact are usually complex, varying according to race, social status and gender. The nurse needs check with the patient whether he/she prefers to be addressed by first name or surname. Given the complexity of culture, no one can possibly know the health beliefs and practices of every culture. What is acceptable for one patient may not be acceptable for another. The nurse needs to be sensitive when dealing with a patient from a different culture. The patient’s culture may block effective nurse–patient interactions because perceptions on health and death are different between patients. A nurse must therefore, continuously try to improve his/her communication skills as poor communication can be dangerous and lead to confusion.Ĭulture is another hindrance. Good communication plays an important role in the organization’s effective functioning. This influence can play a very important role in areas such as patient health, education and adherence. The quality of communication in interactions between nurses and patients has a major influence on patient outcomes. Nurses speak to people of varying educational, cultural and social backgrounds and must do so in an effective, caring and professional manner, especially when communicating with patients and their families. To be a successful nurse, excellent communication skills are required. Clear communication means that information is conveyed effectively between people. Communication is the exchange of information between people by sending and receiving it through speaking, writing or by using any other medium. Communication skills for nurses are essential but may be difficult to master. Nurses usually act as first responders to complex humanitarian crises and disasters protectors and advocates for the community and communicators and co-ordinators within teams. They bring people-centred care closer to the communities where they are needed most, thereby helping improve health outcomes and the overall cost-effectiveness of services. Nurses are critical in the delivery of essential health services and are core in strengthening the health system. It explains principles of communication, communication process, purpose of communication, types of communication, barriers to effective communication, models of communication and strategies of improving communication and guidelines for successful therapeutic interactions. This chapter explores how effective communication and interpersonal skills can enhance professional nursing practice and nursing relationships with various stakeholders. Increases in nursing communication can lessen medical errors and make a difference in positive patient outcomes. Communication is a core component of sound relationships, collaboration and co-operation, which in turn are essential aspects of professional practice.
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |