Communication
Lisa Vasquez
HCS/320
February 23, 2015
Tricia Tran
Communication
Good communication is essential in everyday life. Effective communication is extremely crucial in the health care profession. Communication is about being able to express one’s feelings and thoughts. By communicating efficiently, especially in the healthcare field allows both parties to show both negative and positive points. Communicating effectively with one another can resolve conflicts before they happen, and instill trust in one another.
Elements
Communicating effectively uses the essential elements of communication to provide successful personal and professional relationships. One of the first skills you acquire is listening. Being able to listen successfully means not only understanding the words or information that is being communicated, but also how the individual that needs to communicate feels about what they are saying. Another important skill in communicating is nonverbal communication. Body language, facial expressions, body movements, gestures, eye contact, tone of voice and a person’s muscle tension are all forms of communication. These expressions say as much if not more than the spoken word. When using nonverbal communications, it is imperative to make sure the nonverbal is the same as what you are speaking. Stress plays a role in communication. When stress is allowed to become a constant part of your life, it hinders the ability to have effective communication, to think clearly, and act appropriately. The healthcare profession is a stressful field and vital to be able to effectively manage stress in order to communicate effectively.
Basics
The essential elements of effective communication differ from the basic rules of healthcare communication. There are certain aspects that should be avoided when communicating in the health care profession. For starters, one should not use medical terminology or jargon that people cannot understand. Another important aspect is, not to interrupt someone when they are in the middle of speaking and not lose patience with them. There will be times in the health care field when you will run into difficult situations. The key will be not to lose your temper. Also, when delivering negative news, you will need to be direct and concise. There will be many days ahead where you will be giving good news right along with the bad news. Remember to be direct and use clear speech, so people can understand what you are saying. Be open-minded to any feedback you receive and use this to improve further communication.
Methods
One way a provider can encourage a reluctant consumer to communicate candidly is to ask the right questions. By asking the right questions, this allows the consumer to feel like they can open up and speak with you. It will make them feel like you are listening to them. Also, be aware of your language, attitude, and the effects this has on the consumer. By asking the consumer their thoughts and wishes, this allows the consumer to communicate openly. It is also important to put yourself in the consumer’s perspective. This helps the provider to understand the want sand needs of the consumer. By remembering to follow these few guidelines, candid and open communication can take place between the consumer and provider.
Cultural Difference
Cultural differences can influence effective communication. By remembering that all cultures are different in some