Therapeutic Communication

Therapeutic Communication

Communication is the process of conveying information to each another using words, actions, or by writing the information down to be read by another person. Communication is something that most people do at some point each day, and is an important part of life especially in a working environment. “The concept of communication is an essential part of every profession, and it is required to foster and maintain healthy relationships”( Jasmine, 2009, para. 1).

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.

Despite the frequency of verbal interactions, miscommunication of patient information occurs that can lead to patient safety issues. . . . ‘Effective communication occurs when the expertise, skills, and unique perspectives of both nurses and physicians are integrated, resulting in an improvement in the quality of patient care’ (Lindeke & Sieckert, 200...

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...arly with other healthcare members. Proper communication is a skill that may come naturally to some people. For those nurses that do not have efficiency in communication, practicing will help in feeling confident in communicating with patients and staff as well as providing a solid platform for quality patient care.

References

Corless, I.B., Michel, T.H., Nicholas, M., Jameson, D., & Purtilo, R., Dirkes, A.M.A, (2009).

Educating health professions students about the issues involved in communicating

effectively: a novel approach. Journal of Nursing Education, 48(7).

Jasmine, T.J.X. (2009). The use of Effective therapeutic communication skills in nursing

practice. Singapore Nursing Journal, 36(1).

Raica, D.A. (2009). Effect of action-orientated communication training on nurses'

communication self-efficacy. MEDSURG Nursing, 18(6).