Communication

ACTIVITY Line up in a straight line. 2. You have to arrange yourselves in order according to your birthdate… WITHOUT TALKING!!! 3. You have 5 minutes. What problems were encountered? What methods did you use? What would have made it easier?

Communication Reading The sharing of a thought, idea or feeling Writing Different forms of communication: Listening Touching Seeing

Establish Relationships Maintain Relationships Help Problem Solve Diagnose or find out what’s wrong Persuade or change attitudes, beliefs, behaviors Why do we Communicate?

Elements of the Communication Process Sender- creator of the message Message- the information Channel- the route Receiver- individual who interprets the info Feedback- response the receiver gives to the sender Interference- anything that changes the meaning Elements of the Communication Process

Barriers to Communication Heavily medicated patients Hearing or Visually Impaired Using slang words Language Barriers/ Limited English Terminology Cultural Differences

Types of Communication Non-Verbal - What is not said - Body language - Non verbal messages express more of the true meaning Verbal - Can be spoken or written - Helps the healthcare worker assess what the patient knows and feels 7% Spoken Word 38% Tone of Voice 55% Body Language

Nonverbal Communication 1. Gestures 4. Eye Contact 2. Body Language & 5. Object posture Communication 3. Facial Expressions 6. Touch Nonverbal Communication

Gestures Differ by culture Thumbs up! Can be used in addition to words Express variety of feelings Thumbs up! Wave Wink

Facial Expressions Surprise Fear Most expressive part of the body 6 (+1) universal emotions shown! Anger Disgust *Contempt Sadness Happiness

Body Language & Posture Anger Boredom Concealing something Defiant Doubtful Guilt Honesty Lying Making a decision Nervous Interest in someone or something Unwilling Expectation Impatient Readiness Clenched fist Wiggling foot, leaning on elbow with chin in hand No eye contact Hands on hips Touching ear Lowering the eyes Open palms Touching face Stroking chin Fiddling with items Tilted head Arms tight across chest Rubbing palms Tapping fingers Standing with hands on hips

2. I have a pain in my stomach Partner Up --- Try to get your partner to guess your message without talking or noise! 1. I’m thirsty 2. I have a pain in my stomach 3. It’s too hot in here 4. My knee is swollen 5. Can you help me get to the chair?

Can I have another pain reliever? Partner Up --- Try to get your partner to guess your message without talking or noise! Can I have another pain reliever? I would like to go to sleep now. I want to go home. 4. It’s too noisy in here. 5. My back tooth is sensitive to cold.

Touch Multiple Meanings Positive Messages - reassurance - share warmth - approval - emotional support Negative Messages - anger - frustration - punishment - invasion of personal space

Clothing and Hairstyles Object Communication Clothing and Hairstyles Healthy people with good self- esteem pay attention to dress and grooming. People feeling ill show less interest in appearance and dress. HCW should: have uniforms clean, neat and fit well; appear appropriate

Eye Contact Often initiates communication Means respect and a willingness to listen Looking away means anxiety, or avoidance of communication Cultural Differences - some view eye contact as an invasion of privacy - it can be considered disrespectful

Conveying a Positive Attitude HCW need to be aware of their own bias and attitudes The receiver must have trust in the HCW HCW needs to be willing to say: “I don’t know, but I will try to find that information for you” Conveying a Positive Attitude

Survey of Nonverbal Impressions based off of Pictures