Communication Plays A Vital Role In Patient & Healthcare Relations

By Hazel A. Perry


Verbal and non-verbal communication plays a major role in how people relate to one another. In the healthcare field, which involves extensive interaction between patients and professionals such as doctors and nurses, it is of particular importance. The key to successful patient & healthcare relations is the effective use of communication between these two parties.

The need for excellent communication skills is needed routinely in healthcare. The ability to both understand others and be understood oneself is vital to establishing and maintaining positive relationships between patients and medical staff. Examples where this is necessary include explaining a diagnosis and treatment options, reassuring upset patients of family members, obtaining informed consent, and educating patients about use of medications or special nutritional needs.

Dealing with difficult patients is another situation which requires a certain degree of know-how in communications. These people are most often frightened which can make reaching them considerably harder, but with the right words and attitude, the nurse of doctor can give them the reassurance they need to feel at ease and allow any necessary procedures to be performed.

Being honest with patients is the cornerstone to developing trust, one very important element of good relations with their healthcare providers. This includes being able to level with them in a tactful way and demonstrating integrity by also keeping one's word to them. When a caregiver finds himself or herself unable to fulfill a promise to a patient, an explanation must always be provided.

Availability and responsiveness are also vital to positive relations between patients and their caregivers. Making oneself easy to reach and approach to the patients themselves as well as their families can be very reassuring. Listening to their needs and responding promptly in an appropriate manner are important too, so the people know they matter and that their well-being is the top priority.

Patients come from a variety of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds and have different values and beliefs. Caregivers need to recognize this and keep it in mind when communicating with these patients. If in doubt about what someone is comfortable with in terms of practices, gestures and such, it is best to always ask them first to be certain.

Communicating in a way which is easy to understand and sensitive to the needs of the patient is always the best approach for everyone involved. Showing empathy can go a long way in making them more comfortable and will also make the healthcare professional's job easier by increasing cooperation in patients.




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