Introduction
It is imperative to note that the process of nurse-patient communication is incredibly complicated most of the time, and an understanding of all the aspects is vital for every healthcare professional. A nurse should provide the patient with all the necessary information related to the current condition, progress, and medications. Moreover, it is necessary to understand that communication with patients is one of the core factors that influence the quality of services, and collaboration is needed to ensure that positive outcomes are achieved.
The Role of Communication
It is important to understand that the initiation of communication is of utmost importance most of the time, and most patients are willing to participate in the process of treatment. Moreover, it is necessary to understand that some of the information that it provided may be valuable, and it could lead to positive outcomes. Also, it is important to mention that some techniques are met with positive reaction from the side of patients. For instance, the need to establish eye contact with a patient should not be disregarded because it increases the level of trust in most cases. However, it is necessary to understand that it is important to avoid such approaches as fast-talking because it affects the way a professional is viewed by the patient.
Significant Gaps
The problem is that many nurses do not have an understanding of techniques that could improve the quality of communication such as mouthing or the use of gestures. Moreover, not enough attention is devoted to methods that would help to increase the efficiency of communication such as drawings and others. The biggest issue that should not be disregarded is that a significant percentage of patients in ICU may have issues with communication, and it complicates the process most of the time. The problem is that many individuals are not capable of communicating their needs and emotions, and it could lead to severe consequences (Nilsen, Sereika, & Happ, 2013). Furthermore, it is important to develop a particular set of codes or gestures that may be used in such situations. The need to take advantage of modern technologies also should not be overlooked, and such tools as smartphone applications may be incredibly useful. The problem is that most nurses do not receive sufficient training, and it leads to frustration. However, many professionals may come up with their personal approaches, but guidelines must be developed to increase the efficiency of operations (Happ et al., 2014). Also, it is paramount to ensure that patients have access to materials that would explain some of the gestures that are used, and it would help to establish communication because nurses do not have to spend as much time on education of patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is imperative to note that current approaches that are used by professional nurses have proven to be incredibly efficient. The importance of establishing a relationship with patients should not be disregarded because it increases their level of satisfaction with services. However, the problem is that numerous issues are still present, and the need to develop new techniques should not be disregarded. Moreover, it is important to mention that numerous opportunities related to modern technologies are currently available, and it may be necessary to use some of the devices to improve the process of communication (Kleinpell, 2014). Overall, it is paramount to understand that it is a significant issue, and both nurses and patients must be educated about this problem.
References
Happ, M., Garrett, K., Tate, J., DiVirgilio, D., Houze, M., Demirci,…Sereika, S. (2014). Effect of a multi-level intervention on nurse–patient communication in the intensive care unit: Results of the SPEACS trial. Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care, 43(2), 89-98.
Kleinpell, R. (2014). Improving communication in the ICU. Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care, 43(2), 87.
Nilsen, M., Sereika, S., & Happ, M. (2013). Nurse and patient characteristics associated with duration of nurse talk during patient encounters in ICU. Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care, 42(1), 5-12.