1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY In the intricate realm of healthcare, the pivotal role of effective communication between nurses and patients cannot be overstated. It is a linchpin in the provision of patient-centered care, influencing not only the patients' experiences but also the outcomes of their healthcare journeys. Within the specific context of Federal Medical Center Bida, the nuanced dynamics of nurse-patient communication play a crucial role in shaping the quality of care and the overall healthcare ecosystem. Communication, in the context of the research on nurse-patient communication and its impact on patient outcomes, refers to the exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings between nurses and patients during healthcare interactions. …show more content…
Modern communication tools, including secure messaging platforms and telehealth solutions, can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of nurse-patient communication, particularly in the era of remote and virtual healthcare services. Acknowledging the diversity within the patient population, initiatives focused on cultural competence become paramount. Training programs and workshops can be implemented to enhance the cultural awareness of healthcare providers, fostering an environment where communication is not only effective, but also culturally sensitive and respectful. (Calgan et al., 2017; Duchsche, 2009) In healthcare settings, patient care encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of individuals under the care of healthcare professionals. It involves not only the provision of medical treatments and interventions but also encompasses aspects such as emotional support, psychological well-being, and the overall experience of the patient throughout their healthcare …show more content…
Studies have consistently shown that effective communication is associated with improved patient safety, reduced medical errors, and better adherence to prescribed treatment plans (Hall et al., 2010; Brown et al., 2016). A clear and open line of communication fosters an environment where patients actively participate in their care, contributing to positive health outcomes. Inadequate nurse-patient communication has direct implications on patient satisfaction (Lotfi et al., 2019). Patients who feel heard, understood, and actively involved in their care journey are more likely to report higher levels of satisfaction. Conversely, poor communication can lead to dissatisfaction, impacting the overall perception of the quality of healthcare received. Positive communication is instrumental in fostering patient engagement, a critical aspect of modern healthcare. Engaged patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, actively participate in preventive care, and contribute to shared decision-making processes. This engagement transforms the patient from a passive recipient of care to an active partner in their health journey. Lotfi et al.,
Communication encompasses a wide range of processes such as the exchange of information, listening, posing of questions (Fleischer et al., 2009) or use of body language. In a healthcare environment where there are constant interactions among nurses, doctors, patients and other health professionals, professional and effective communication is important in ensuring high quality healthcare standards and meeting the individual needs of patients.
In the article “Time to learn: Understanding patient-centered care,” Rinchen Pelzang clarifies not only what patient-centered care means but what it looks like when implemented. These clarifications are necessary because although most healthcare setting advocate patient-centered care, with no clear definition. Pelzang mentions this as one of the most prominent barriers to PCC, the misinterpretation of the concept. In order to combat this barrier proper education and emphasis on communication are needed. When this isn’t the case, “the failure to recognize nurse-patient communication as an essential component of nursing care is the greatest barrier to effective communication” (Pelzang, 2010). Collaborative care and
Through contemporary communication, we are educated to deliver exceptional care to our patient in different. As nurse practitioners, we learned how to effectively
As a nurse, I am obligated to care for all cultures, and try to understand their values, beliefs, spirituality, gender roles, and language. Cultures can range from different families, environments, disabilities, or even genders. It is a very broad topic, and I hope to recognize these cultures in my nursing career. Some barriers may exist that can make it challenging to work with people of a different culture, but it is possible to overcome these with the resources within the health care system. The Health Policy Institute identifies that “[t]he goal of culturally competent health care services is to provide the highest quality of care to every patient, regardless of race, ethnicity, cultural background, English proficiency or literacy” (“Cultural Competence”, 2004). Additionally, cultural competence is an ongoing process that involves both the client, and health care professional to work together that best suits the client’s
Literature Critique This literature critique reviews Catherine McCabe’s article, Nurse-patient communication: an exploration of patients’ experiences (McCabe, 2002). She has obtained many degrees related to health care (Registered General Nurse, Bachelor of Nursing Science, Registered Nurse Teacher, and Master Level Nursing). She has many years of experience and is currently teaching at Trinity Center for Health Sciences. As stated in the title, this study will review the patient’s interactions with nurses in relation to their communication. This study used a qualitative approach, as stated within the article, by viewing the life experiences of the participants.
To start implementing this framework, one need to understand and acknowledge that every patient is not only different from one another, but a unique individual. Assumptions and stereotypes about a specific cultural group must be avoided, along with personal biases (Murphy, 2011). Furthermore, actively listening and fully engaging patients’ can improve nurse-patient communication and enhance patient outcome.
“Communication is the heart of nursing… your ability to use your growing knowledge and yourself as an instrument of care and caring and compassion” (Koerner, 2010, as cited in Balzer-Riley, 2012, p. 2). The knowledge base which Koerner is referring to includes important concepts such as communication, assertiveness, responsibility and caring (Balzer-Riley, 2012). Furthermore, communication is complex. It includes communication with patients, patient families, doctors, co-workers, nurse managers and many others. Due to those concepts and the variety of people involved, barriers and issues are present. Knowing how to communicate efficiently can be difficult.
Communication involves the exchange of messages and is a process which all individuals participate in. Whether it is through spoken word, written word, non-verbal means or even silence, messages are constantly being exchanged between individuals or groups of people (Bach & Grant 2009). All behaviour has a message and communication is a process which individuals cannot avoid being involved with (Ellis et al 1995).
Communication is continuously disregarded and overlooked, however the skill to communicate efficiently is mandatory to articulating concepts, feelings and diffusing ideas. Stated by Stacey Huish (2013) “Communication is the process of transferring information from a sender to a receiver with the use of a medium in which the communicated information is understood by both the sender and receiver”. Effective communication particularly in a nursing context, is substantial as all nurses are anticipated to develop a sense of agency and use their interaction with patients to support and provide assistance effectively. Upon analyzing two distinct scenarios based on a nurse’s communication towards a patient, it can be made apparent the effective and non-effective practices in communication, as well as the effective or ineffective techniques to client interaction, impact the competence of one’s communication which either provides poor or adequate communication. The foremost concepts of communication evident in each scenario is body language, eye contact and lack of communication. Body language, eye contact and a lack of communication are predominant factors that distinguish one’s capability to interact competently or incompetently with a patient in numerous circumstances.
The ability to communicate effectively is an essential skill that plays a crucial role in the profession of nursing. Through ineffective communication, language and attitudes, the video entitled “effective communication in nursing” suggests that correct professional nursing practice positively affects health outcomes and patient care. The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) National Competency Standards for the Registered Nurse, under the domain of Collaborative and Therapeutic Care, closely relate to the issues presented in the clip. From the perspective of the nurse, patient and health outcomes, Competency 9.1, 9.2 and 9.4 are examined to support the importance of suitable nursing practice and patient-centred care.
Robinson, F. P., Gorman, G., Slimmer, L., & Yudkowsky, R. (2010). Perceptions of effective and ineffective nurse–physician communication in hospitals.Nursing Forum, 45(3), 206-216.
According to Boykin “Caring is the foundation of nursing” (Boykin et al, 2011), and it is the nurses’ responsibility to understand what it means to be caring toward patients, which can be achieved through having professional communication skills. Not only does not being able to communicate affect the patient, but also it affects how the nurse is able to do his or her job to the best they can. Smith and Pressman say that the Institute of Medicine has released reports, which stress, “good communication is critical to ensuring safe and reliable nursing” (Smith & Pressman, 2010). Bad communication skills have the potential to be more dangerous to the patient and can in tern make a life-threateni...
Interpersonal communication within the field of nursing is imperative in all areas to deliver a holistic positive outcome in patient care. Specifically, active listening, questioning with intent and reflective feedback ascertain an understanding of a patient’s health, illness, and healthcare. Active listening allows the patient to convey their concerns and presents the nurse with an understanding of the patient when implementing a personalised care plan. Questioning with intent builds an appreciation of the situation, and reflective feedback promotes improvements to enrich work ethics of the nursing cohort. Listening actively involves many different styles whereby information is gathered through verbal and non-verbal communication. Questioning
Communication in the nursing practice and in healthcare is important because when talking with patients, their families, and staff, the nurse and the nursing student needs to be able to efficiently express the information that they want the other person to understand. “Verbal communication is a primary way of transmitting vital information concerning patient issues in hospital settings” (Raica, 2009, para. 1). When proper communication skills are lacking in nursing practice, the chances of errors and risks to the patient’s safety increases. One crucial aspect of communication that affects the patient care outcome is how the nurse and the nursing student interacts and communicates with the physicians and other staff members. If the nurse is not clear and concise when relaying patient information to other members of the healthcare team the patient care may be below the expected quality.
The National Patient Safety Agency (2007) identified communication difficulties as a key factor affecting patient outcomes. The manner in which nurses provide information is equally important as the information conveyed. The message the patient receives may not be perceived in the intended manner thus causing misunderstanding. I was not confident in communicating with my patient due to inadequate knowledge and I was afraid that I would not be able to provide an accurate and satisfactory answer. In my opinion, knowledge correlates highly with effective communication and help build a good nurse-patient rapport. Surveys by Casey & Wallis (2011) reported that the lack of communication is “palpably felt and can lead to patients feeling increased anxiety, vulnerability and powerlessness”. The common reasons for dissatisfaction with communication were due to poor explanation and incomplete response (Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman 2011). It has also been proven that patients are more likely to accept health problems, understand their treatment options and adhere to follow up instructions when they understand information provided by the nurses (Patient-centeredcare.org, 2014). This further substantiates the point that knowledge is key for effective communication with