Communication Techniques

Communication Techniques

■ Using Open-Ended Questions: Avoids placing limits on a Pt’s response, e.g., “How do you feel today?”

■ Offering General Leads: Encourages Pt to continue and elaborate on a topic, e.g., “Can you tell me more?”

■ Providing Broad Openings: Encourages Pt to take the initiative, e.g., “What would you like to talk about?”

■ Clarifying: Increases the accuracy of the Pt’s understanding, e.g., “You seem concerned about your procedure.”

■ Reflecting: Clarifies meaning and encourages Pt to elaborate. Repeat Pt’s statement back in a questioning tone, e.g., “You’re not sleeping well since you were admitted?”

■ Exploration: Prompts Pt to elaborate on specific areas of interest so that you can assess a pertinent topic in more detail, e.g., “Tell me more about that.”

■ Focusing: Keeps conversation goal-directed, specific, and concrete. Demonstrates to Pt that you are attending to what is being discussed, e.g., “What does that mean to you?”

■ Using Hypothetical Questions: Helps to determine a Pt’s cognitive abilities and accuracy of information. Assesses readiness to be discharged, e.g., “What will you do if you become short of breath?”

■ Silence: Conveys acceptance of Pt whether or not Pt is talking, e.g., remain silent and allow Pt to collect thoughts and express emotions.

■ Evaluation: Encourages Pt to evaluate quality of care you are providing so that you can better accommodate an individual’s needs, i.e., “How does that seem to you?”