People connect with each other using a combination of verbal and non-verbal communications. In healthcare, being skilled in this area is essential for positive patient & healthcare relations. The manner in which professional members of the medical team such as nurses and doctors relate to their patients is as important as the care they provide.
The need for excellent communication skills is needed routinely in healthcare. The ability to both understand others and be understood oneself is vital to establishing and maintaining positive relationships between patients and medical staff. Examples where this is necessary include explaining a diagnosis and treatment options, reassuring upset patients of family members, obtaining informed consent, and educating patients about use of medications or special nutritional needs.
Dealing with difficult patients is another situation which requires a certain degree of know-how in communications. These people are most often frightened which can make reaching them considerably harder, but with the right words and attitude, the nurse of doctor can give them the reassurance they need to feel at ease and allow any necessary procedures to be performed.
Honesty is always the best policy when dealing with patients. Without this, it is impossible for trust to be established. Knowing how to relay the truth tactfully and keeping one's word are an important part of this. If for any reason the nurse or doctor is not able to keep a promise to a patient, out of respect for this person, he or she must explain why it was not possible.
Making oneself available to patients and their relatives, and always being responsive to their needs is another key aspect to quality care. Being approachable and eager to listen to their concerns and doing one's best to see to it that any issues raised are dealt with in a timely and suitable manner shows that the patient's well-being is paramount.
Patients come from a variety of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds and have different values and beliefs. Caregivers need to recognize this and keep it in mind when communicating with these patients. If in doubt about what someone is comfortable with in terms of practices, gestures and such, it is best to always ask them first to be certain.
When healthcare staff are mindful of how they communicate with their patients, everyone will ultimately benefit. Demonstrating empathy for the patient helps improve their morale and makes them more willing to cooperate with their caregivers, which will make it easier for them to provide the necessary care.
The need for excellent communication skills is needed routinely in healthcare. The ability to both understand others and be understood oneself is vital to establishing and maintaining positive relationships between patients and medical staff. Examples where this is necessary include explaining a diagnosis and treatment options, reassuring upset patients of family members, obtaining informed consent, and educating patients about use of medications or special nutritional needs.
Dealing with difficult patients is another situation which requires a certain degree of know-how in communications. These people are most often frightened which can make reaching them considerably harder, but with the right words and attitude, the nurse of doctor can give them the reassurance they need to feel at ease and allow any necessary procedures to be performed.
Honesty is always the best policy when dealing with patients. Without this, it is impossible for trust to be established. Knowing how to relay the truth tactfully and keeping one's word are an important part of this. If for any reason the nurse or doctor is not able to keep a promise to a patient, out of respect for this person, he or she must explain why it was not possible.
Making oneself available to patients and their relatives, and always being responsive to their needs is another key aspect to quality care. Being approachable and eager to listen to their concerns and doing one's best to see to it that any issues raised are dealt with in a timely and suitable manner shows that the patient's well-being is paramount.
Patients come from a variety of diverse cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds and have different values and beliefs. Caregivers need to recognize this and keep it in mind when communicating with these patients. If in doubt about what someone is comfortable with in terms of practices, gestures and such, it is best to always ask them first to be certain.
When healthcare staff are mindful of how they communicate with their patients, everyone will ultimately benefit. Demonstrating empathy for the patient helps improve their morale and makes them more willing to cooperate with their caregivers, which will make it easier for them to provide the necessary care.
About the Author:
Edward J. Stark is a marketing expert that specializes in healthcare focused marketing. If you are interested in learning more about healthcare marketing services he suggests that you check out www.beaconfey.com.
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