Effective communication with old adult patients

Effective communication with old adult patients

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH PATIENTS 2
For this paper, the are two main points to discuss and the writer must carefully read all the entire
questions and respond accordingly. The writer must give the details of every aspect mentioned in the
question and clearly provide a respond using in text citation APA 6th edition.

Communication Techniques and Barriers to Communication.

It is important to possess good communication skills to establish rapport with patients. Facilitation,
silence, reflection, empathy, clarification, confrontation, interpretation, explanation, and summary each
elicit a different response from the patient. The perspective shifts from the patient to the health care
provider with the last four items above. Each listed item has a role in the interview process; however,
practice is required to use each effectively and to move from one response to another smoothly.

Please select a specific age group (infant, child, adult, geriatric) and discuss the most effective
communication techniques for this group; provide your rationale.

Discuss barriers to communication and include one relevant ethical and legal standard while conducting
one of the following assessments:

1. Mental Status
2. Substance Use
3. Domestic Violence
4. Nutrition
   Communication between nurse and their patients is crucial for achievement or desired
   therapeutic outcomes. Studies have shown that factors know to contribute to effective
   communication are embedded in the characteristics of nurses. These factors include genuineness,
   competency, and excellent communication skills. This paper will discuss techniques that can

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH PATIENTS 3
enhance effective communication between nurses and their patients (Kraszewski and McEwen,
2010).
Communicating with older adult patients can be a challenging encounter due to various
factors such as the risk of effects of memory decline and age-related sensory impairment. In
addition, a third party can become part of the interaction, since elderly patients tend to be in the
company of a loved one who participates actively in the patients care and visits. Older patients present with sophisticated problems and various other chief complaints that may require time to unravel. Another factor to consider is that old aged patients have few inquiries and are also likely to defer the authority of the physician. Ageism is also another factor that must be considered to avoid poor communication (Cooper and Gosnell, 2015). Establishing a good rapport is relevant in effective communication with older adult patients. This can be achieved by showing respect to the patient as well as a sign of concern for the patient. The patient can be addressed as “Mr.” or “Mrs” unless he or she has requested to be called by the name of choice. Names such as “honey,” “sweetie,” or “dear,” should be avoided. Eye contact should be maintained at all times by sitting a chair and facing the patient directly. These acts aid in demonstration of genuine interest as well as active listening. A gentle touch on the patients arm, or shoulder demonstrates the caregivers interest and concern (Hingle and Robinson, 2009). Patients may present with different health complications, which may tend to hinder the communication process. The nurse should make sure that the patient is heard and understands as well. Good listening skills and talking unhurriedly are effective good communication basing on the assumption that not all patients resemble each other. Patients mental status, for instance,

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may impair effective communication significantly. For this reason, it is required to assess the
receptive and expressive abilities of the patients allowing patients to talk about their concerns
while involving relevant signs and probe to ensure the patients presents his or her case wholly.
Interruptions such as environmental distractions, probing beyond the patients capacity, starting arguments, and using a different language should be avoided to assure the patient of comfort (Hingle and Robinson, 2009). Studies tend to reveal that the older adult patients and physicians may disagree regarding the objectives of the medical encounter. Ineffective communication can hinder exchange of information, and hence the patients satisfaction. Caregivers must learn to speak slowly, clear,
and in a loud voice without shouting. Short, simple, terms, and sentences should be avoided. Due
to the fact that the older adult patients tend to have very few inquiries and also deter the authority
of the physicians, it is vital to have summaries frequently, and give room for questions (Hart,
2010).

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Reference

Cooper, K., & Gosnell, K. (2015). Foundations and adult health nursing. St. Louis, Missouri :
Elsevier Mosby
Hart, V. (2010). Patient-provider communications: Caring to listen. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and
Bartlett.
Hingle, S.T., & Robinson, S.B. (2009). Enhancing Communication with Older Patients in the
Outpatient Setting. Semin Med Pract 12, 1-7.
Kraszewski, S., & McEwen, A. (2010). Communication Skills For Adult Nurses. Maidenhead:
McGraw-Hill International (UK) Ltd.