Therapeutic Communication ~ Let’s speak about it!

Last week during RNchat, a Twitter chat for nurses, the discussion turned to the importance of communication. I used to be reminded that communication isn’t only about speaking, but additionally about listening. How often do you end up talking to someone and never hearing anything they’re saying since you’re fascinated by what you are going to say next? I do that so much and despite the fact that I consciously try NOT to do it, it seems to occur anyway!

I assumed this might be time to review the therapeutic communication techniques we learned (a minimum of for me!) in nursing school. Then I assumed that it will be silly to practice repeating what my friend from nursing studies (playing the role of a patient) says. I later realized that these techniques really help patients focus and share information. Here we go:

• – Moments of silence encourage the patient to proceed the conversation.
• – Use phrases similar to “Please continue”, “aha” and “continue” to encourage the patient to proceed.
• – Thanks to this, you and the patient are on the identical path. Use a phrase like “If I understand you correctly, you said…”.
• – Repeating what the patient has just said can enable you get more detailed information. The patient may say, “I feel so alone.” You might respond, “Do you feel so lonely?” He might say, “Yes, I feel so lonely since my wife died and my children moved away.”
• – Give the patient the chance to elucidate what she or he has said, using phrases similar to: “What do you mean…?”
• – Representation of data provided by the patient ensures that the data collected is accurate and complete.

Oh – and remember to look at for non-verbal cues and use open-ended questions! What other techniques do you employ to get patients to speak?

Reference: (2008). Grading Made Incredibly Easy!, (4th ed.) Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.