Communication Flashcards
(56 cards)
Why do you think it is important for healthcare workers to have good communication skills?
- need to be able to put patients at ease
- be able to explain procedures
- obtain consent
- communicate with other healthcare providers
What is communication?
the exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings
what is therapeutic communication?
the face-to-face interaction with a patient that focuses on advancing their physical and emotional well being
Importance of good communication?
- patient perception
- protection from potential legal issues
- aids in positioning
- relationships with coworkers
Standard of practice 5
relationships with patients
Standard of practice 6
professional relationships
what does successful communication require?
- speaking
- listening
- observing
- writing/typing
- an open mind
- self knowledge
what are the three methods of communication?
verbal, written and non-verbal
what is verbal communication?
what you are saying
- try to be concise and avoid any misunderstandings
- avoid using too many medical terms
What is paralanguage?
not what you say, but how you say it
- rate
- volume
- inflection
- tone
- pitch
- vocal patterns
What are the two principles of listening?
listen in a therapeutic manner and use silence effectively
what does it mean to listen in a therapeutic manner?
- Gather information and understand what the patient is feeling
- Ask questions about the patient’s statements to expand them
What does it mean to use silence effectively?
- Allows the patient time to arrange their thoughts
- lets the patient know you are waiting for them to say something
what are the principles of written communication?
- record keeping is extremely important in health care
- must be legible
- need to use proper wording
what are some downsides of using writing as a form of communication?
- can’t pick up on tone or non-verbal cues
- emails stay on the server, they stay there
what is nonverbal stimuli?
- all stimuli other than spoken words
- can reinforce your words
- can influence patient’s perception of you
internet and social media
Remember that as a professional, anything you do or say can reflect on your profession and your workplace
what are types of nonverbal communication?
- facial expressions
- body motions
- eye contact
- touching
- distance
how to apply facial expressions in the workplace
- Maintain an interested expression while listening
- Try to appear friendly
- Watch for confused expressions
how to apply body motions in the workplace
- emphasize important parts of speech
- demonstrate positions
how to apply touching in the workplace
- Necessary in health care
- Talk before you touch
- Can help patient feel more at ease
how to apply distance touching in the workplace
- proximity helps patient feel involved
- avoid physical barriers when possible
what is an open body stance?
Arms/legs open
Feet pointing towards person
Looking at person
Relaxed clothing
what is a closed body stance?
Arms/legs crossed
Looking away from person
Facing away from person