Definition
o It is the process of exchanging information or feelings between two or more people. It is a basic component of human relationship, including nursing.
The Communication process
Referent
o Or stimulus motivates a person to communicate with another. It may be an object, emotion, idea or act.
Sender
o Also called the encoder, is the person who initiates the interpersonal communication or message
Message
o The information that is sent or expressed by the sender.
Channels
o It means, conveying messages such as through visual, auditory and tactile senses.
Receiver
o Also called the decoder, is the person to whom the message is sent
Feedback
o Helps to reveal whether the meaning of the message is received
Modes of Communication
Verbal communication- uses the spoken or written word
1. Pace and Intonation
Ø The manner of speech, as in the pace or rhythm and intonation, will modify the feeling and impact of the message. For example, speaking slowly and softly to an excited client may help calm the client.
2. Simplicity
Ø Includes the use of commonly understood words, brevity, and completeness.
Ø Nurses need to learn to select appropriate, understandable terms based on the age, knowledge, culture and education of the client. For example, instead of saying to a client, “the nurses will be catheterizing you tomorrow for a urinalysis”, I would be more appropriate to say, “Tomorrow we need to get a sample of your urine, so we will collect it by putting a small tube into your bladder”.
3. Clarity and Brevity
Ø A message that is direct and simple will be more effective. Clarity is saying precisely what is meant, and brevity is using the fewest words necessary.
Ø The goal is to communicate clearly so that all aspects of a situation or circumstances are understood. To ensure clarity in communication, nurses also need to speak slowly and enunciate carefully.
4. Timing and Relevance
Ø No matter how clearly or simply words are stated or written, the timing needs to be appropriate to ensure that words are heard.
Ø This involves sensitivity to the client’s needs and concerns. E.g., a client who is enmeshed in fear of cancer may not hear the nurse’s explanations about the expected procedures before and after gallbladder surgery.
5. Adaptability
Ø What the nurse says and how it is said must be individualized and carefully considered. E.g., a nurse who usually smiles, appears cheerful, and greets his clients with an enthusiastic “Hi, Mrs. Jones!” notices that the client is not smiling and appears distressed. It is important for the nurse to then modify his tone of speech and express concern in his facial expression while moving toward the client.
