Therapeutic Communication Essay Samples

The radiographer in the video demonstrates myriad communication skills that are essential in the medical environment. The patient is pregnant, and the doctor suspects that she might have suffered a stroke. Objective data shows that the patient cannot speak because of a possible stroke, but the CAT scan is highly needed to confirm the condition. Since the patient cannot speak, her husband is of great assistance. The radiographer takes time to ask questions provided in the pre-procedure consent form. The radiographer tries to answer all the issues put forward by the husband, mostly regarding the safety of the baby, and he remains as truthful as possible.
The radiographer practices effective communication with the patient and the significant other, which is a great factor in successful medical encounters. In this case, success means that the physician and the patient develop a partnership, and the patient has full information regarding his or her situation and the various methods that are available to address the issue. Effective communication allows patients to be involved in the decision process in an active manner (Haskard Zolnierek & DiMatteo, 2009). I consider what the radiographer practiced as highly essential as it establishes the goals and the expectations that the patient has. In addition to that, I perceive what the radiographer did as essential as it ensures that there is patient satisfaction and permits the physician or health practitioner to demonstrate concern, empathy, and humanism. It is evident that the radiographer was concerned and empathetic, and it was all evident in his communication.
There are important therapeutic communication skills from the video that will help me develop robust clinical skills. It appears that much of what physicians and practitioners do is communication-based (Meryn, 1998). The radiographer takes the role of teaching the patient during a stressful time. The advocacy and good communication skills exhibited by the radiographer are therapeutic to the patient. As the radiographer elucidates the CT scan procedure, the patient, slowly but surely, nods in affirmation and the husband also seems satisfied with the fact there are more benefits involved than harm. The radiographer also presents an option to the CT scan, the MRI scan. In as much as the MRI Scan is not available at the hospital, the family could have opted to undertake the procedure in another facility that offered it. Further evidence of therapeutic communication is exhibited by the eye contact and explanations of the procedure in a personable manner. There is no inconsistency between his non-verbal and verbal communication.
The therapeutic communication evident in the video is also an example of a therapeutic communication model. According to the therapeutic communication model, practitioners can reduce the anxiety and stress of patients by just communicating appropriately. Patients with major diseases usually have anxiety and depression because of the uncertainties in their condition. Successful use of communication, thus, allows the practitioner to develop trust, outcomes, and promote healing (Rolfe, Cash-Gibson, Car, Sheikh, & McKinstry, 2014). The video has encouraged and taught me that good communication to patients can be therapeutic.
I now regard therapeutic communication as an important mode of communication that has a positive influence. It is evident that therapeutic communication is developed from the first instance that the patient encounters the medical team. For the patient with stroke, the therapeutic communication began with the doctor, and it continued with the radiographer. If the communication between the patient and the health practitioner is not efficient at this point, it may affect the healing process of the patient. The more time a practitioner spends with a patient explaining a procedure and answering questions, the better the prognosis will be. Research shows that medical and nursing teams that spend little time with their patients affect the healing process of the patients (Zarea, Maghsoudi, Dashtebozorgi, Hghighizadeh, & Javadi, 2014). Accordingly, medical teams are to practice high level of communication to achieve therapeutic results. I will take this lesson and apply it in my practice, ensuring that I pay particular attention to my communication skills and the time I take to converse with a patient. Reflecting on the mode of communication helps in the development of competencies by itself (Driscoll, 2007).
In summary, it is essential for practitioners to develop and sustain competent therapeutic communication. As a health worker, one must listen in an empathetic manner and have a good understanding of verbal and nonverbal communication skills. Effective skills in communication are essential in facilitating therapeutic interactions, implementing interventions that improve optimal functioning levels and assessing the needs of the client. The model is especially important when dealing with patients suffering from terminal illnesses and those who face critical medical procedures. Providing information in a personable manner encourages the patient to consent to the medical procedure and assures the patient that everything will be fine.

References

Driscoll, J. (2007). Practicing Clinical Supervision: A Reflective Approach for Healthcare Professionals. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Haskard Zolnierek, K. B., & DiMatteo, M. R. (2009). Physician Communication and Patient Adherence to Treatment: A Meta-analysis. Medical Care, 47(8), 826–834. http://doi.org/10.1097/MLR.0b013e31819a5acc
Meryn, S. (1998). Improving doctor-patient communication. BMJ : British Medical Journal, 316(7149), 1922–1930.
Rolfe, A., Cash-Gibson, L., Car, J., Sheikh, A., & McKinstry, B. (2014). Interventions for improving patients’ trust in doctors and groups of doctors. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Retrieved from http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/14651858.CD004134.pub3
Zarea, K., Maghsoudi, S., Dashtebozorgi, B., Hghighizadeh, M. H., & Javadi, M. (2014). The Impact of Peplau’s Therapeutic Communication Model on Anxiety and Depression in Patients Candidate for Coronary Artery Bypass. Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health : CP & EMH, 10, 159–165. http://doi.org/10.2174/1745017901410010159