Communication is the primary tool for understanding the patient and building a relationship with him or her. It is necessary to ascertain verbal and nonverbal data about the patient’s condition and to approach the patient (Mohammed & Mohammed Ahmed, 2019). Nurse practitioners can establish an emotional state, check cognitive skills, and clarify the presence of anxiety and stress. It is a tool for developing a communication culture and engaging the patient in recovery.
To assess the patient’s ability to understand instructions, asking for feedback and demonstrating a particular action is necessary. If the goal is to do breathing exercises, then ask to show the process of doing them after they have been taught. In addition, a questioning method can determine the patient’s opinion of the problem and treatment expectations (Amoah et al., 2018). Nusrses can check the correctness of the answers and carry out the training again.
First and foremost, patient characteristics would help listen and be patient while waiting for results. In addition, being polite and honest about one’s condition is essential (Therapeutic communication: NCLEX-RN, 2022). Patients should also express enthusiasm for treatment and contribute to recovery: for example, by maintaining cleanliness. It is also worth considering that their behavior should be based on the doctor’s recommendations to avoid harming themselves.
Taking medications occupies an important place in treatment, and nurses should teach patients how to take them correctly. It is important to check that the patient understands the instructions and ask them to retell the steps. During the first appointment, it is recommended to observe how the steps are carried out and correct them in case of errors (Amoah et al., 2019). These actions will help to avoid mishandling the medication.
In nursing practice, it is better to resort to acceptance and acknowledgment as part of therapeutic communication. Active listening techniques and timely silence will build trust with the patient and induce them to participate in the recovery (Mohammed & Mohammed Ahmed, 2019). It is essential to pay attention to explaining one’s actions and the reason for them so that the patient understands the value of the procedures.
References
Amoah, V. M. K., Anokye, R., Boakye, D. S., & Gyamfi, N. (2018). Perceived barriers to effective therapeutic communication among nurses and patients at Kumasi South Hospital.Cogent Medicine, 5(1).
Amoah, V. M. K., Anokye, R., Boakye, D. S., Acheampong, E., Budu-Ainooson, A., Okyere, E., Kumi-Boateng, G., Yeboah, C., & Owusu Afriyie, J. (2019). A qualitative assessment of perceived barriers to effective therapeutic communication among nurses and patients.BMC Nursing, 18(4).
Mohammed, A. S., & Mohammed Ahmed, A. (2019). Effect of nurse’s therapeutic communication and protecting patient’s rights on patient’s satisfaction.Tanta Scientific Nursing Journal, 16(1), 113-132.
Therapeutic communication: NCLEX-RN. (2022). Registered Nurses.