Communication

FOUNDATIONS OF COMMUNICATION

•Communication is:–The act of transmitting information, thoughts, a verbal or written message–A process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior

•There are hundreds of languages and dialects spoken in the U.S. today. 

•Language allows people to create relationships, make changes relate and cooperate with each other.

•Communication is a two-way process. 

WHY COMMUNICATE?

•Establish and maintain relationships•To persuade and change attitudes or behaviors •Develop an understanding of other people•Problem solve (diagnosing& treating patients)

Verbal messages must be clear, complete, concise, courteous, and cohesive

CLASS ACTIVITY

Have the class stand up and divided into half.Have class place themselves in order of birthday- Month and day. They are not allowed to speak or write to each other. The team who finishes first, wins. Stay in order and now we will play telephone. Teacher will provide message. Identify each of the following:

ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION PROCESS

•Source – creator of the message•Message – verbal or nonverbal stimuli•Interference – anything that changes the meaning of an intended message

ELEMENTS OF COMMUNICATION PROCESS

•Channel – route by which messages flow between source and receiver•Receiver – individual who analyzes and interprets the message•Feedback – verbal or nonverbal response the receiver sends to the source of message

•Space is the amount of distance between a person and others. It sends strong messages about thoughts and reactions.

Personal distance - 8in-4ft: closer space is reserved for more intimate interaction and father space more impersonal.

 Social distance - 4ft-12ft: business transactions

Public distance - 12ft-25ft: public speaking during ceremonies

 

ARTIFICIAL COMMUNICATION

NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION

• Nonverbal communication may change the message. Nonverbal communication can also be known as body language

Nonverbal communication is used when it is impossible, inappropriate, or undesirable to speak. This is considered substituting for words. •Characteristics of Nonverbal communication: constantly occurring, dependent on context, more believable than verbal communication, and primary means of expression.

  TOUCH IS ONE OF THE MOST PERSONAL AND POWERFUL MEANS OF COMMUNICATION.

LYING AND GOSSIP •Lying is not being truthful. Excuses given for lying: •a. basic need to retain something they could possibly lose•b. affiliations: to increase their social interactions•c. self-esteem: to increase perceived social desirability•d. self-gratification: such as humor or for a desired effect 

Communication obstacles caused by lying:•Decisions are based on the information received in the health care setting. By lying, inaccurate information is given which can contribute to incorrect decisions. Also with lying, trust is diminished. 

•Gossip creates feelings of betrayal and destroys trust.  Gossip is unethical when it breaches confidentiality .

EFFECTIVE LISTENING

•Involves both hearing and interpreting messages•Requires focusing on body language and the message being sent•May be passive or active

–Active listening is very important in the medical profession to gather information (interviewing a patient for their medical history).

CONVEYING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

•Health care professionals must be aware of their own bias and attitudes when sending and receiving both verbal and nonverbal messages to avoid interfering with quality client care

BARRIERS IN HEALTH CARE

–Heavily medicated clients–Clients with hearing or visual impairments –Slang and words with double meanings–Clients with limited English –Medical Terminology –Mental or physiological condition

POSITIVE ATTITUDE

•Receiver must have trust in the sender before they accept a message•If a patient feels a health care professional does not know what they are talking about, they may not accept the information or treatment

•Be willing to say “I don’t know, but I will find that information for you” when asked a question for which you do not have knowledge.

BOSTON MED:•This is a reality TV show. These are real health care professionals. As you watch, take notes and we will discuss it next class. •Look for how each of the health care professional communicate with each other, with patients, and family members.•http://www.hulu.com/watch/159930/boston-med-thu-jun-24-2010

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