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3.8: Improving Communication

Last updated

Feb 3, 2023
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- 3.7: Barriers to Effective Communication
- 3.9: Communicating with patients

Maureen Nokuthula Sibiya
Gümüşhane University via IntechOpen

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Some ways of improving communication are as follows:

Listen without interrupting the sender.
Show empathy at all times and try to understand.
Try to stay focused on the conversation. Do not however, force the patient to continue if he/she becomes anxious or seems to wish to change the subject.
Use the body language that indicates your interest and concern. Touch the patient if it seems appropriate. Lean forward, listen intently and maintain eye contact if it culturally acceptable.
Offer factual information. This relieves anxiety. Do not offer your personal opinion. Assure the patient that you have professional discretion.
Try to reflect the feelings and thoughts the patient is expressing by rephrasing questions and comments using their own words.
Avoid unclear or misleading messages.
Avoid giving long explanations.
Give your co-workers your full attention when communicating with them.
Ask questions to clarify unclear messages.
Do not interrupt until the sender has completed the message.
Provide a quiet environment without distractions.
Be convincing wen communicating [17].

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