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There is strong research and evidence to prove strong positive relationships between a healthcare team member’s communication skills and a patient’s capacity to follow through with medical recommendations, self-manage a chronic medical condition, and adopt preventive health behaviors.
In fact, in recent studies it has been found that 25% of patients do not follow their clinician’s advice with the following reasons:
- 39% disagreed with what the clinician wanted to do (in terms of recommended treatment)
- 27% were concerned about cost
- 25% found the instructions too difficult to follow
- 20% felt it was against their personal beliefs
- And 7% reported they did not understand what they were supposed to do
Further, over a span of just five years, 1,774 deaths were attributed to a communication failure. In fact, regarding malpractice claims communication is considered a factor in some 30% of cases.
The following tips can enhance nurse-patient communication in most settings:
- Introduce yourself and address your patient by name
- Stop and listen
- Look directly at your patient, smile, and be conscious of both yours and their body language
- Ask for clarity/repeat back communication
- Give a brief explanation of what you are doing and why
- Speak clearly and slowly
- Have patients reiterate directions/new information
- Assess the patient’s ability to understand and comply with instructions; pull in a family member, translator or other assistance if needed
If you, or someone you know, are looking for any medical healthcare position please refer them to visit our open positions and/or reach out to GiaCare recruitment team at [email protected] or (954) 651-9022 option #1 in recruitment.