Interpersonal relations as a health professional By Amy Lindgren

Key Points The Importance of Interpersonal communications Communicating with diverse people Important communication skills Non-verbal Communication by Patients Non-verbal Communications by Health Professionals Emotions in communication Self-Refection

The Importance of Interpersonal Communications Needs to be second nature Work towards being an expert It’s more than friendliness Helping them be comfortable with you Listening so you can understand what it is they are saying They may not know how to express what is wrong Ask the right questions to help them Interacting with patients on a daily basis

Communicating with Diverse People Some patients need to talk it out while others don’t Let them talk if they need it Don’t force them to talk if they don’t Differences in talking with adults, children and elders Each needs to be communicated differently to understand what is being said to them Differences in cultural and religious background Understanding the cultural beliefs and religious beliefs Giving respect where cultural or religious beliefs over rule medical decisions

Important Communication Skills Listening The number one skill needed Need to understand what is being said to help Pictures and Tapes Some understand better through pictures and tapes Body Language Making them comfortable with you to talk Be inviting to them don’t be closed to them

Important Communication skills Tone of voice Pleasant and nice Not stern or rude Attention to the person Keep eye contact with them Respond to them when needed Don’t let yourself be interrupted when they are talking

Non-verbal Communications by Patients Some signs may be expressed through non- verbal communications If they are in pain they may show it but not tell you How willing they are to talk with you about what is wrong Need to adjust how you talk with them by the non-verbal signs

Non –verbal communications by Health professionals Help develop rapport with the patient Always be open in your gestures Keep gestures appropriate to the conversation Don’t close yourself off from the patient Closed off from the patient can lead them to not trusting you Don’t turn your back to them when they are talking Don’t busy yourself with other things when communicating with the patient

Emotions in Communication Be aware of your emotions Be aware of the patients emotions Being emotional for the patient is alright to express but keep it in control Don’t be too matter of fact Don’t express anger Turn off emotions when needed Understand the situation and what emotions need to be and don’t need to be expressed

Self-refection What I learned through this interview is how much more important interpersonal communication is for my career. It is important to be aware of all ways to communicate. I have learned to be more aware of how I communicate and what I need to work on so that I can communicate effectively with patients. This has helped me understand that it isn’t just about services to the patient but helping them get through the problem that exists. It also made me more aware about non-verbal communication and how important I need to be more observant. Sometimes the only way to understand something is to see it.