Transcript Communicating with patients and Caregivers

Communicating with
patients and
Caregivers
Prepared by: Maud Mthembu
Bernadette Cyrus
Objectives
 To highlight the importance of the use of
appropriate language in patient
management
 To enhance effective communication
 To emphasize communication and
language as important in creating a
caring environment that will improve
relationships between the health care
worker and patient
Importance of language
(UNAIDS;2006)
The language we use to conceptualize and
talk about HIV/AIDS reflects :
 our personal biases and
 understanding or
 lack of understanding.
 It also helps shape our own and other’s
attitude about HIV/AIDS.
Importance of Language
(contd.)
 Appropriate language is
constructive,
 It does not fuel stereotypes;
 It does not cause prejudice.
 Language has strong influence on
attitudes towards HIV/AIDS and
people infected and affected by
HIV/Aids.
Communication and
‘Rankism’
 Use and abuse of power by those of higher
rank towards those of lower rank.
 ‘Rankism’ - when addressing with
superiority,arrogance,condescendencedehumanizing (Fuller, 2002)
 Rank itself ,is not negative-however when
health professionals view themselves as
“somebodies” and others “nobodies”-Hinder
professional effort.(B.R Cournery,2005)
 ‘Rankism’ sign - Judgmental reference to “us”
and “them” or “you” and “them”
Non-verbal communication
Congruence between body language
and verbal language:
Posture

Facial expression
Eye
contact
Body
positioning
Non-Verbal Communication
(contd)
 Body language should communicate
attention and interest in the person, as
well as caring, concern and respect.
 If necessary, you may need to assume
an informal body position to increase
comfort and decrease the threat
experienced by the person i.e. child
Listening for Empathic
understanding
 Listening involves the use of our sensory
capacities to receive and register the
messages expressed verbally and nonverbally by others:
 Hearing
 Observing
 Encouraging
the person to
continue
 Remembering
ACTIVE LISTENING
 Active listening combines talking and
listening in such a way that others feel
understood and encouraged towards
further self-expression.
 It combines talking and listening into 3
steps:
 Inviting
- open body language
 Listening
- Hear, observe,
encourage and remember
 Reflecting
- Paraphrasing,
clarifying, checking understanding.
CASE STUDY
 32 YR old women, unmarried with 2
children, HIV positive and on TX
(Combivir and Stocrin), one child is HIV
positive and on TX but he has
adherence problems. She comes for
consult ,and she tells you that she is 3
months pregnant.
 What will be your initial reaction ?
IN CONCLUSION…
LET US ALL REMEMBER:
DO NOT JUDGE A MAN
UNTIL YOU HAVE WALKED
A MILE IN HIS SHOES.
Thank you