communication

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Communication is something which continuously takes place, sometimes without a person’s knowledge. It can be verbal or non-verbal, voluntary or involuntary, Non-verbal communication includes gestures, touch and body language (McCabe and Timmins, 2006).
Communicating can be involuntary, but it is something that everybody does and can be perceived in many different ways. Our body language is something that we have no control over and can sometimes portray what we want to hide or want no-one to know (McCabe and Timmins, 2006). Body language and tone of voice can be key aspects when people communicate, for example, if you have been angry moments before you have a conversation with someone else, even if it relates to a completely different subject matter, the anger that you feel can come across in an undertone in your speech, your facial expression and your posture because anger is a strong emotion (McCabe and Timmins, 2006).
Language is a big part of daily life as this is the verbal way of getting your point across. One of the big factors doctors have to consider is if they speak the same language as the patient. If they don’t, there may be a need to arrange for an interpreter to be available to help the flow of conversation and to ensure the patient fully understands. (Roberts, D; 2013). It is believed that by talking in a particular context and using a particular set of word choices that the medical professionals can develop a connection with the patient and an empathy that also helps the patient to gain confidence in the health professional and to relax. (Berglund, C; Saltman, D; 2002)
Research by Maher states that when asking patients questions, doctors give the patient (approximately) up to fifteen seconds to reply before they m...

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...tors want them to know. Some people have their own colloquial words and phrases and this can cause the nurses and doctors problems if they don’t understand what the patient is trying to say. (Wright, R; 2012)
The health professional has to be certain that the patient understands what is being explained. When the medical professional and the patient are able to have an engaging conversation into the health problems faced by the patient, this also comforts any family the patient has as they do not need to worry about whether their relative is getting the appropriate care and treatment. It can also have an impact upon a patients’ wellbeing, if they understand and know what is going to happen and when, they can feel reassured, as can their family and friends and this can lead to less stress and worry for the patient. (McCabe and Timmins, 2006; cited by Wright, R; 2012)

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