Effective communication occupies a special place in healthcare, especially in pediatrics, by helping clinical providers convey critical ideas at an understandable level and encourage patients in decision-making and personal care. In this regard, the first post aims at discussing the behavioral issues related to children and the use of communication strategies to promote problem resolution. First, the student provides the relevant statistics concerning the prevalence of children’s developmental disability and describes the practical tools in assessing the developmental dysfunction, that is, the Bayley’s Scales and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3.
Besides, according to the post, the direct interaction between primary caregiver and child plays an essential role in identifying particular developmental abnormalities and their symptoms. In particular, these signs include expressive or receptive language delay, slow response to questions or appeals, gross or fine motor delay, or setback in social or emotional tasks. Finally, the student regards a specific problem that can hinder productive communication, namely, the child’s reluctance to cooperate, and gives further recommendations concerning the child’s examination.
However, the post lacks therapeutic communication techniques that provide client support and the necessary considerations when communicating with a child. Burke (2020) specifies that active listening, focusing, silence, clarification, exploring, using open-ended questions, reflecting, summarizing, and offering assistance form the basis for significant relationships between pediatricians and children. Moreover, Bell and Condren (2016) indicate the critical importance of high caregiver literacy which is the main contributor to the healthy development of a child with mental disabilities. They also examine some considerations for establishing sustained rapport, including using a normal tone of voice and vocabulary adjusted to a child’s level, eye contact, and joint book reading or toy playing. To facilitate the cooperation process, the healthcare providers should also apply digital technologies such as PowerPoint presentations and communication through email.
Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage of an individual, which is primarily characterized by broadening social interaction and acquiring new notions about the self and surrounding environment. In this context, the second post first indicates the significance of distinguishing this period from others while conducting the assessment and treatment of particular behavioral issues. For example, the student states that when evaluating the mental state of an adolescent, healthcare providers should perform screening to determine the availability of intimate partner violence. Indeed, adolescents’ intimate relationships can substantially affect their mental health and define their behavior in society, especially in a family, according to Miller and McCaw (2019). The adverse experiences can result in an increased level of anxiety, lower self-esteem, and severe psychological trauma.
The post also describes some physical and psychological factors that contribute to impulsive and sensation-seeking behaviors, indicating that the absence of controlling such behavior impacts a person’s quality of life adversely. In addition, the student appropriately notes that healthcare providers should primarily focus on minimizing the effect of maladaptive behavior and developing trust and a sense of independence in managing personal health. Concerning intimate relationships, the strategies should mainly be based on delivering high-quality sexual education, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, and practical assistance in addressing particular intimate concerns. Nevertheless, the post should also concern other specific behavioral conditions, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and conduct disorder with destructive behavior symptoms, and discuss the importance of communication approaches during their treatment.
For the last decades, mental disorders are becoming prevalent among the elderly, which is principally caused by the aging world population, especially those belonging to the baby boomer generation. The third post highlights the importance of drawing healthcare providers’ attention to this phenomenon, which should determine the development of relevant communication strategies. In particular, the models should consider that individuals of previous generations have a specific set of distinguishing customs, habits, and ideas that reflects their communication different from that younger people use. In addition, the student recommends that providers take into account the inevitable age-related pathophysiological changes experienced by patients, including chronic illnesses, during the interaction.
The post designates that dementia is the most spread and significant health condition that affects the elderly ability to perform daily life activities, particularly their ability to perceive, process, and reproduce information. In this regard, to deliver effective communication, clinicians and nurses avoid haste in assessments and display genuine interest. Indeed, Butcher (2018) affirms that while caring for individuals with dementia, healthcare providers should pay more attention to explaining the applied medical procedures and other usual actions to alleviate patients’ fears, worries, and frustration. For instance, the patients should be notified about blood sampling, toilet procedures, and dressing to ensure that they interpret these help appropriately.
The post indicates that repeating and rewording, and summarizing key points in the conversation are essential communicative methods when caring for the elderly. Additionally, maintaining eye contact and active listening help patients feel respect and express themselves. Finally, the student emphasizes the importance of building reliable and transparent relationships with a power of attorney (POA), which is also a correct idea. Close cooperation with POAs promotes determining patients’ needs and health concerns and forming relevant strategies that provide high-quality healthcare.
References
Bell, J., & Condren, M. (2016). Communication strategies for empowering and protecting children. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 21(2), 176-184.
Burke, A. (2020). Therapeutic Communication: NCLEX-RN. RegisteredNursing.org. Web.
Butcher, L. (2018). Caring for patients with dementia in the acute care setting. British Journal of Nursing, 27(7), 358-362.
Miller, E., & McCaw, B. (2019). Intimate partner violence. New England Journal of Medicine, 380(9), 850-857.