Communicative intervention is a critical component of the nursing process, influencing the patient’s perception of the nurse and the possibility of the nurse to understand the patient. Unlike simple talking, it includes the aspects of working with patients as well as practicing effective communication, particularly through listening and expressing harmonious feelings to ensure the right treatments and solutions are given to the suffering patients. In this blog, we will discuss ten various forms of communication techniques that can be therapeutic in nursing to improve the patient-nurse relationship and, therefore, produce a positive impact on the quality of patient care.
1. Practice Active Listening
Active listening is the cornerstone of therapeutic communication. It involves fully concentrating on what the patient is saying without interrupting or preparing a response while they’re still speaking. This technique is one of the key nursing therapeutic communication examples, ensuring that the patient feels heard and understood, fostering a stronger nurse-patient connection.
2. Use Open-Ended Questions
The use of open-ended questions in communication enables the gathering of further information about the patient’s emotions and worries. Do not use questions that can be replied to with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ instead opt for phrases like; ‘Can you elaborate on how you are feeling today,’ this will help in helping the patient.
3. Demonstrate Empathy
Therapists should have the ability to understand other people’s feelings, moods, and ideas for effective communication. Thus, by recognizing a patient’s emotions and experiences, one demonstrates that they are being considered. Even phrases such as “Is it safe to say that you are stressed at the moment?” would be impressive to the patient and ensure that they are well taken care of.
4. Provide Clear and Simple Explanations
Most patients tend to develop some level of anxiety, given that receiving a diagnosis or going through a medical procedure is stressful. To allay their fears, give concise and unambiguous information as to their rights and what must happen. Avoiding medical terminology and assessing the patient’s comprehension can thus assist in improving relaxation and participation in patient care.
5. Reflective Listening
A type of active listening, wherein the health care provider echoes what the patient had said to show that he has understood the patient. For instance, if the patient tells the clinician that they are frightened of a procedure, the clinician may say, “You mentioned fear when I will be doing this procedure, is there anything we can do to reduce your fear?
6. Offer Reassurance
Reassuring a patient will reduce his/her level of anxiety and fear that has been likely to be caused by the disease. It is said that even a simple phrase such as one you will be alright or we will see you through can do magic to calm a patient or build his/her confidence with the practitioner.
7. Observe Non-Verbal Cues
Paralingual communication which involves body posture, gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact is as vital as verbal communication. A closer look is therefore advised in these cues for the wish to know how the patient is truly feeling to come to reality. For instance, if a patient looks withdrawn and avoids making eye contact then he or she might be uncomfortable or anxious.
8. Use Silence Appropriately
As much as people think that talking is the best way of communicating, it could be noted that at times, it is better to keep the mouth shut. It provides the patients with an opportunity to comprehend information delivered by the doctor or nurse and in the process precipitate their emotions or opinions. There is no need to incessantly communicate with a patient: it is occasionally helpful if they use the silence as a thinking period.
9. Provide Validation
Validation is the process of accrediting the patient’s emotions and sensations without imposing any sort of criticism. Phrases such as, “You are allowed to feel this way,” or “It’s ok to think that way,” can help patients and clients feel heard, and that is something that goes a long way in a clinic.
10. Offer Encouragement
This can bring out a feeling of encouragement in patients hence they can feel free to say what they want related to their treatment processes and also be encouraged to participate in the process. Promising a patient that they are doing a good job at handling some aspect of their illness or the management of the same can help make them stronger.
Conclusion
Therapeutic communication is one of the basic elements of nursing, which focuses on developing a trustful and patient-provider relationship. Through the use of active listening, coming up with questionnaires that do not lead to biased answers, and giving comprehensive responses, the nurses can establish a healthy environment that enhances healing. I would like to remind readers that all of these techniques can be used in every contact with the patient and impact the process positively. To have a look at how these techniques work, one can try to find nursing therapeutic communication examples of the efficiency of these actions in practice.