Methods of communication and challenges experienced with surgical patients Methods of communication and challenges experienced with surgical patients
Structured communication between surgeons, a healthcare team, and the surgical patient is crucial in preventing surgical errors and ensuring patient safety. The surgical patient must be made to fully understand the nature of his or her condition, and the different methods that can be used to deal with their health issue. Whenever possible and necessary, the practitioner must be in constant communication with the surgical patient at every stage of the surgical process so as to avert any possible risks. Communication methods during surgery may range from electronic patient-controlled alert devices to hand holding by nurses (Happ, Roesch & Kagan 2004, p. 2).
Electronic patient-controlled alert devices notify practitioners of meaningful responses from surgical patients during surgical procedures. They detect meaningful responses from patients and alert practitioners about them. Hand holding by nurses is intended to make patients comfortable in order to boost confidence, deal with pain, and reassure the patient about their own safety. Communication between patients and practitioners should be effective so that suregeons can improve surgical outcomes, promote healing, and build trust (Griffen 2007, p. 11).
Some challenges experienced with surgical patients include delivering bad news, discussing informed consent, participating in shared decision making, and patient education. These challenges occur when practitioners do not have proper communication skills, or when they ignore basic communication tenets. These challenges may occur as a result of the condition of patients. They may be addressed by practitioner by sitting down when talking to patients, understanding the patient as individuals, showing respect and empathy, creating partnership, listening attentively, calming fears, eliciting concerns, being honest, educating patients on their treatment options, and involving patients (Silverman, Kurtz & Draper 1998, p. 16).
References
Colletti, L, Gruppen, L, Barclay, M & Stern, D 2001, ‘ Teaching students to break bad news’, American Journal of Surgery, vol. 182, no. 1, pp. 20-23.
Griffen, FD 2007, ‘ ACS closed claims study reveals critical failures to communicate’, Bull Am Coll Sur, vol. 92, pp. 11–16.
Happ, MB, Roesch, T & Kagan, SH 2004, ‘ Communication needs, methods, and perceived voice quality following head and neck surgery: a literature review’, Cancer Nursing, vol. 27, no. 1, pp. 1-9.
Leach, DC 2000, ‘ Residents’ work hours: the Achilles heel of the profession?’, Acad Med, vol. 75, pp. 1156-1157.
Levinson, W & Chaumeton, N 1999, ‘ Communication between surgeons and patients in routine office visits’, Surgery, vol. 125, no. 2, pp. 127-134.
Silverman, J, Kurtz, SM & Draper, J 1998, Skills for communicating with patients, Radcliffe Medical Press, Abingdon, UK.
