ST Thomas University Week 2 Effective Communication in Nursing Discussion
Description
You should respond to your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts.
All replies must be constructive and use literature where possible.
Giufurta, Kelliann
Discussion 2: Effective Communication
Effective communication is an important element of culturally competent nursing care. Effective communication creates trust and comfort in the relationship between the advanced practice nurse (APN) and patient. Successful communication in health care has been linked to improved quality of care, patient satisfaction, and adherence to care. Health promotion, prevention, and education are also shaped by how effective the communication is between provider and patient (Afriyie, 2020). According to Afriyie (2020), communication is defined as a meaningful exchange of facts, needs, opinions, thoughts, feelings, and other material between two or more people (Afriyie, 2020). Communication is complex and is influenced by multiple factors including mood, time, space, culture, facial expressions, gestures, personal awareness, and perception (Afriyie, 2020). It is important to exhibit an individualized approach during patient interactions. APNs should ensure that patients cultural views are respected when communicating with them.
APNs encounter various cultural backgrounds, beliefs, practices, and languages that require culturally competent communication to maximize the quality of care they provide. For instance, African American communication can tend to be louder in volume than people of other cultures. Purnell (2013) points out that providers must not misunderstand this tone as anger but in fact appreciate this as being expressive and interactive (Purnell, 2013). Many African American families have a matriarchal system. Elders in this community, especially grandmothers are respected for their wisdom and insight. Grandmothers in African American families often play a vital role in childcare. It is important for APNs to have an open discussion with both patient and relatives who are viewed as primary care providers (Purnell, 2013).
Various beliefs and perceptions of health care and illnesses can impact communication between the APN and patient. Illness symptoms, etiology, expectations about appropriate treatment, and what is expected of them in the process may depend on ethnical and cultural beliefs. The Amish culture has a fundamental belief that God is the ultimate healer, therefore medicine and health care should always be used with this understanding (Purnell, 2013). The Amish believe it is their responsibility to promote health and may not participate in mainstream medical services at the onset of illness. It is essential that the APN respects this belief and does not dismiss it as being uneducated or irresponsible. Unlike the African American culture, Amish men are usually responsible for making health care decisions and are often present in the delivery of care (Purnell, 2013). Alternative and folk medicine is commonly practiced in the Amish community. The APN has a responsibility to ask questions regarding herbal and alternate medication use to confirm proper treatment is being prescribed.
APNs own cultural backgrounds may affect the communication they have when delivering care to patients. APNs should be able to recognize and accept differences between themselves and their patients. Recognizing communication differences within different cultural groups will allow the APN to make effective clinical decisions. It is essential for APNs to take time to get to know patients as individuals and establish an interpersonal relationship with them. Improving communication among providers and patients increases health care outcomes and health education within communities.
References
Afriyie, D. (2020). Effective communication between nurses and patients: an evolutionary concept analysis. British Journal of Community Nursing, 25(9), 438445. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2020.25.9.438
Purnell, L. (2013). Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach
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