The Importance of Effective Communication in Healthcare Settings

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Effective communication is essential in the healthcare setting as it directly affects the quality of patient centred care and medical outcomes (Levetown,2008). In paediatric units, children are confronted with distressing and even life threatening conditions which must be addressed openly and compassionately to deliver optimum care to the patient. This essay will discuss four communication strategies used in the healthcare setting with the focus on improving therapeutic communication. Through the use of evidence gathered from scholarly articles, this essay will demonstrate the importance of effective communication and the way it can enhance the therapeutic communication between a healthcare professional and paediatric patient.

In the healthcare setting, effective communication is crucial (,). Even more so is a healthcare professionals ability to develop a therapeutic relationship with patients. Ineffective communication can lead to an inconsistent and inappropriate care for patients. (Carter and Levetown, 2004). Cognition stages, emotion and preexisting family relationships should be taken into consideration when caring for a paediatric patient. In order to enhance therapeutic communication and successfully understand the medical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of a child, health care professionals must use strategies that will be successful in …………………………………… then integrate these needs into a care plan.

The first strategy that can be implemented to enhance therapeutic communication is encouraging the child to be actively involved in the medical and decision making process through the use of play and other communicative tools. Wassmer et al (2004), indicated that the need for shared decision making and informed conse...

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...abor. As family is the main source of support and stability for the child, the presence of the family during health procedures can significantly reduce both child and family’s anxiety. Working together parents and health care workers can make more personal and informed decisions regarding what the best treatment is for a child and build upon a trusting and therapeutic relationship. Together the family, nurse, and healthcare staff are empowered to provide the most optimal care for a child.

In paediatric units, the language and communication needs of children will closely relate to their developmental level. The third key strategy to enhance therapeutic relationship is through the use of developmentally appropriate and non threatening language. Different things may become stressors to a child however they can be addressed through developmentally targeted strategies.

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