Communication Basics
This type of communication occurs within an individual and is sometimes called self-talk or internal dialogue.
Intrapersonal communication
This theory views communication as a one-directional process in which a sender delivers a message to a receiver.
Linear communication theory
This trained professional should be used when important health information must be exchanged with a client who speaks another language.
A qualified medical interpreter
Listening without ridicule or judgment and recognizing the client’s right to have personal feelings demonstrates this principle.
Acceptance
Sitting quietly with a distressed client and allowing time for the client to organize thoughts demonstrates this skill.
Using silence
This type of communication involves the exchange of information between two or more people.
Interpersonal communication
This theory recognizes that both participants continuously send, receive, and respond to messages.
Transactional communication theory
Speaking slowly, using short sentences, and avoiding slang and medical jargon are interventions that promote this
Clear and understandable communication
Giving the client full attention and showing a genuine desire to understand demonstrates this principle.
Interest
The nurse says, “You have mentioned your argument with your daughter several times. Tell me more about that.” This demonstrates this skill.
Focusing
In the communication process, this person originates and transmits the information.
The sender
Spoken language and written words are the primary forms of this kind of communication.
Verbal communication
Pictures, translated materials, communication boards, gestures, and demonstrations are examples of these communication aids.
Visual and nonverbal communication methods
Addressing the client appropriately, protecting dignity, and recognizing the client’s right to make choices demonstrate this principle.
Respect
The statement “You seem worried whenever you discuss going home” demonstrates this skill of describing what the nurse has noticed.
Sharing observations or perceptions
Words, ideas, feelings, or information transmitted from one person to another make up this component.
The message
Facial expression, posture, gestures, physical distance, eye contact, and touch are forms of this communication.
Nonverbal communication
Even when an interpreter is present, the caregiver should face and speak directly to this person.
The client
Being truthful, genuine, and tactful rather than offering false reassurance demonstrates this principle.
Honesty
The nurse says, “Tell me whether I understand correctly: You feel ignored when your family makes decisions without you.” This demonstrates this skill.
Clarifying or validating
Sender, message, method, receiver, and this response component make up the five parts of communication.
Feedback
A client says, “I’m not upset,” while crying and clenching both fists. This lack of agreement between words and behavior is called this.
Incongruent communication
Asking the client to explain or demonstrate the information in their own words helps the caregiver verify this.
Understanding or comprehension
Acceptance, interest, respect, honesty, concreteness, assistance, permission, and protection are the eight principles of this.
Therapeutic communication
Listening closely, using silence, asking open-ended questions, focusing, restating, reflecting, clarifying, and summarizing are examples of these.
Therapeutic communication skills