Body Language In Health And Social Care

Communicating with your patient is vital to enhance patient’s comfort, trust, safety, and overall well-being. Some therapeutic communications are active listening, ask questions, give recognition, give information, offer self, use silence, give feedback, be empathetic, limit setting, etc. Whereas some of the non-therapeutic communications are: changing the subject, overloading with information, giving advice, false reassurance, being sympathetic, etc. Also, body language, eye contact, gestures, and tone of voice are nonverbal communication that we need to be aware of when communicating with the

In practice, good eye contact suggests confidence and honesty, also a more meaningful therapeutic relationship. As a doctor, you create a positive atmosphere with your patients by simply looking at them. Communication research suggests that a doctor's message will be decoded as being more favorable when associated with more eye contact than with less eye contact. Good eye contact lets your patients know that you care. Experts speculate that it is almost impossible for an individual to disguise eye

As a nurse you are the voice that speaks to everyone, communication is a key aspect of a nurse’s role, this is verbal communication and non-verbal communication that combined together allows a nurse to function.

In summary, the experience of observing and reflecting on this video vignette, elevated my understanding of the range of techniques that enhances communication therapeutically, such as active listening, empathy, developing rapport and the use of non-threatening body language and tone of voice to alleviate patient anxiety and illicit patient cooperation. Moreover, the act of reflective contemplation gave me an understanding of what it means to be self-aware - to be able to recognise and arrest idiosyncrasies such as personal moral values and cultural beliefs so as to promote a healthcare environment that is patient-centred. As general workplace and healthcare resource pressures increases, it becomes even more relevant for healthcare practitioners and future clinicians to be versed in such techniques, so that despite the pressure, they are better able to manage their emotional and physical

Teaching hospitals are meant to train future professionals while ensuring that they provide the uppermost care for their patients. However, what some teaching hospitals fail to maintain is a strong and positive doctor-patient relationship. You would think that television shows and films

Create a relaxed, kind atmosphere where the relationship between the physicians and patients are open and free in dialogue.

I would always make sure before I begin the assessment by introducing myself, explain what I am going to do, why I’m doing it, how and when. Then I will consider not to stare down at the patient to long since it can be considered as a sign of disrespect. I will make sure not to touch her head before explaining myself because its considered impolite in Asian cultures. I will also ask about medications they take and other forms of treatments they may be using. For example, is she using herbal supplements, or other forms of alternative medicine. I will also make sure she understands what I am communicating to her. When people smile, it is sometimes a lack of understanding rather than agreement. I can write what I am trying to communicate with her or I can get an interpreter to assist.

Still, more often than not, patients simply wanted someone to talk with to make the time pass in a more personable and enjoyable way. After all, most patients did not choose to be in the hospital and are generally, to some extent, afraid. They are scared because their wellbeing and happiness is at stake, and they may not fully understand their ailments; as physicians do with years of training and experience. Beyond being advised about their condition and treatment options, patients simply want to know that you sincerely care about their wellness and that they are not simply “patient #13” for the day. The most important thing I learned is that physicians need to exercise sympathy, empathy, and compassion when interacting with patients.

“Extensive research has shown that no matter how knowledgeable a clinician might be, if he or she is not able to open good communication with the patient, he or she may be of no help” (Asnani, MR. 2009). Effective communication plays a big role in healthcare and contributes to the quality of patient care and teamwork.

Before I went into the room, I asked the nurse about the best way to start a communication with the patient. When the nurse said that she show gestures and act funny and the patient smiles, I decided

Hi Zaneta. I enjoy reading your post and I agree with what you wrote. The power of touch is very important with patient care. Nobody wants to be sick and in the hospital. Having a medical professional who can balance the medical aspect, but can also have a warm caring aspect will make a world of difference for patient. I know for myself, staying in the hospital or going to the doctor, the doctor’s temperament and bedside manner play a lot in whether or not I want to change doctors. I have had encounters with that made me feel like I was test subject, by being cold and no conversation. It was a quick checkup that took fifteen minutes and he was out the door. I also had doctors and nurses who were just wonderful. They were pleasant, I felt like

It is important for a practitioner for example a teacher and another practitioner like a helper to use eye contact as it will show that they are listening which means it is effective communication. Some people would think not looking an adult in the ey6e is rude as they might be asking them something that they don’t understand, the other practitioner might feel like they are ignoring them and they don’t want to know.

the patients that I have been with welcome me with the most precious smile. Not depressed or

I then realised my lack of eye contact could lead to patient disengaging and having a lower expectation from their treatment and this suggested to me that good eye contact would impact positively on patient health outcomes. This service has also made me realised the importance of public health promotion.

Another crucial interpersonal skill which assumes a critical part in a radiographer- patient relationship is empathy. Eunson (2012) describes empathy as the emotional appreciation of another’s feelings. Not to be confused as sympathy, but empathetic people might squeeze ones hand in times of trouble, or offer kind words when one is grieving. According to research, empathy is ‘to recognise others' emotions, the reason for these emotions, and to have the capacity to take part in the emotional journey of a single person without directly be coming apart of it’ (Casselden, 1988). Needless to say,