6).
3. Identify and discuss effective communication techniques used by health professional
As has been briefly referred to above, one of the most useful and important communication technique is the ability to listen attentively and acutely in order to modulate one's response accordingly to the person or patient. There are many different techniques that can be applied to deal with different situations and types of patients. All of these techniques are intended to improve and facilitate the quality of the relationship between the healthcare worker and the patient (Berry, 2007, p. 39).
Empathy and compassion are the hallmarks of the nursing profession and a central technique in communication is allowing the patient to express his or her concerns as fully as possible without interruption and prejudice. This means keeping an open mind and reducing the influence of any prejudice or possible biases that may intrude with the communicative interpretation and response.
One also has to take into account different situations that require different communication skills. For example, the healthcare professional is often confronted with an aggressive or difficult patient and this requires a different set of communication skills. In this situation the nurse may, for example, ask for more information and attempt to calmly get to the root or source of the problem. In cases like these it is important to make every attempt to understand the patient's discontent. This technique has the added advantage of showing the patient that the nurse or healthcare worker is interested and concerned by in the patient's plight or dilemma (Riley, 2000, p. 285).
It is always important to open up a dialogue rather than merely setting rules and demands. In other words, the most effective method of communication is one that opens the door further interaction and the expression of the needs of...
Therefore, the use of an emphatic and caring responses in the process of interaction demonstrates understanding and reduces aggression (Riley, 2000, p. 285).
4. Conclusion
Many studies attest to the fact that the healthcare professional who is able to convey information well and communicate effectively with the patient is most likely to encourage positive responses and outcomes for themselves and their patients. Furthermore, a nurse who possesses good communication skills is more likely to make more accurate and comprehensive diagnoses, as well as detect aspects and signs such as emotional distress in the patient. (Berry, 2007, p. 3) Good communication techniques therefore are essential in the healthcare situation, as they result in positive interaction between the nurse and patient and promote the aims and goals of healing and healthcare.
References
Berry, D. (2007). Health Communication: Theory and Practice. Maidenhead, England: Open University Press. Retrieved March 14, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=115256859
Garde, S., Harrison, D., Huque, M., & S. Hovenga, E.J. (2006). Building Health Informatics Skills for Health Professionals: Results from the Australian Health Informatics Skill Needs Survey. Australian Health Review, 30(1), 34+. Retrieved March 14, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5037753224
Kreuter, M., Farrell, D., & Brennan, L. (2000). Tailoring Health Messages: Customizing Communication with Computer Technology. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Retrieved March 14, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=10084248
Riley, J.B. (2000). Communication in Nursing (4th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby. Retrieved March 14, 2011, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=100733651
