That way they are prepared and you have a sense of everything they’d like to cover during your time together. October1999;47(5). "I don't want to hang around old people who have nothing better to do than compare health problems," she tells her doctor. It also has rewards in terms of patient satisfaction, understanding, and adherence to treatment. Reading materials written at an easy reading level can help. Information overload can confuse patients. Aging and the desire for information and input in medical decisions: patient consumerism in medical encounters. Do not use slang and articulate your speech. Allow extra time for older patients. Ley P. Towards better doctor-patient communications. Breisch SL. What do I do if the caregiver for the patient is trying to take charge of the conversation when I know the patient is capable of answering for himself? Res Aging. NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure that it is accurate, authoritative, and up to date. Caring for, and having successful relationships with older adults often requires unique communication skills and strategies. Try not to assume that patients know medical terminology or a lot about their disease. National Council on Patient Information and Education. See, http://www.medem.com/medlb/medlib_entry.cfm, http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/usinterimproj, 'Oh, by the Way ...': Agenda Setting in Office Visits, The FPM Encounter Forms Collection: 'Paper Automation' of Your Progress Notes, Why I Never Had an Atari Video Game System. Give the patient a chance to ask questions. h��WklW��3��K����x�����{��l�Z�;��&m�X�!Mq��ݤ�&���j�I�:m���!Q��J#�*� 0000006050 00000 n
Interpersonal communication skills are considered so important that they are a core competency identified by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Medical Specialties. Keep your sentences brief and direct to the point. Express one idea and message at a time. Writing is a more permanent form of communication than speaking and provides the opportunity for the patient to later review what you have said in a less stressful environment.10, One way to accomplish this is to provide an information sheet that summarizes the most important points of the visit and explains what the patient needs to do after he or she leaves your office. or "Do you have family nearby?" By using our site, you agree to our. Keep your hands away from your face while talking, as this can hinder lip-reading ability. May 2014; Radiologic technology 85(5):580-582; Source; PubMed; Authors: Abigail Christman. A tray of uneaten food is on the bedside table. In: Woods D, ed. A younger person in this context may do well to sit alongside and face in the same direction. Reduce the "noise" in your sentences and questions. The challenge of communicating health information to elderly patients: a view from geriatric medicine. Instead, write down your instructions in a basic, easy-to-follow format. Schedule older patients earlier in the day. Liebel D. A case study exploring therapeutic communication as a mechanism for delivery of integrated care management (icm) by home healthcare (hhc) nurses. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference. Phase 3: Chart review outcomes revealed lack of depression training were threats to increasing nurse proficiency in promoting DCM with patients; leading to worsening patient depression/disability. Such “bossy” language is often manifested in the use of “you” statements, followed by a directive. Speak clearly and loudly enough for them to hear you, but do not shout. "You might find members who share many of your same interests, including your love of gardening." The rate at which an older person learns is often much slower than that of a younger person. Maintaining eye contact creates a more positive, comfortable atmosphere that may result in patients opening up and providing additional information.10, Listen. – A free PowerPoint PPT presentation (displayed as a Flash slide show) on PowerShow.com - id: 4c1fa0-OGYyM The Psychology of the Physical Bookstore Experience. Treat them with respect and kindness. 9. Studies have shown that older patients receive less information from physicians than younger patients do, when, in fact, they desire more information from their physicians.7,8 Because of their increased need for information and their likelihood to communicate poorly, to be nervous and to lack focus, older patients are going to require additional time. To see the full article, log in or purchase access. Therapeutic Communication- Case Scenarios Assignment. 12. 4. Yes, Show respect by addressing the elderly person as Mr., Mrs, Ms., or by first name -- with their permission. Check on them from time to time. We live in a society where the post-World War II Baby Boomer Generation (born 1946-1964) is reaching their senior years in ever-growing numbers, and representing an increasingly larger segment of the population. Haug MR, Preston Ni is a professor, presenter, private coach, and the author of Communication Success with Four Personality Types and How to Communicate Effectively and Handle Difficult People. Last Updated: December 6, 2019 (1991) goes on to argue that many nurses working with Elderly Patients still fail to provide purposeful activities for Elderly people and see the role of providing recreational therapies as the remit of other health care professionals such as Occupational Therapists. Eye contact is one of the most direct and powerful forms of nonverbal communication. Background: There is ample evidence that nurse-led micro level integrated care management (MICM) is needed to fully address the health needs of homebound elderly HHC patients. Share stories about your family and interests and ask your patients about their loved ones. “A Case Study Exploring Therapeutic Communication as a Mechanism for Delivery of Integrated Care Management (icm) by Home Healthcare (hhc) Nurses”. Be prepared to escort elderly patients from room to room. Face the patient, maintain eye contact, and when he or she is talking, use frequent, brief responses, such as "okay," "I see," and "uh-huh." Active listening keeps the discussion focused and lets patients know you understand their concerns. Healthy Helping for Family Caregivers of Senior Parents. Check often to be sure that your patient understands what you are saying. Only use these steps if you sense the older adult has trouble communicating, otherwise you may offend him or her. How do I care for a person who has suffered a stroke? Come back when you’re in a calmer state of mind. You might ask the patient to repeat back the diagnosis or care plan in his or her own words—this can help with recall, as well. Thompson TL, Robinson JD, Beisecker AE. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. Don’t underestimate the power of eye contact. Copyright © 2020 American Academy of Family Physicians. International Journal of Integrated Care, vol. Studies show that good communication is a teachable skill. Show from the start that you accept the patient and want to hear his or her concerns. Accessed July 13, 2006.... 2. Communication for Doctors: How to Improve Patient Care and Minimize Legal Risk, Communication Skills for Working With Elders. Processing of Medical Information in Aging Patients: Cognitive and Human Factors Perspectives. Ask if the patient has a working hearing aid. Breisch SL. 0000010713 00000 n
In addition, your waiting area seating should be firm and of standard height, with arm supports to make it easier for older patients to get around independently. Look at the auditory canal for the presence of excess earwax. Dr. Robinson is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah.