Related Experiment Videos
Communication skills and district nurses: examples in palliative care
1Roxburghe House, NHS Grampian. Sally.Lawton@arh.grampian.scot.nhs.uk
British Journal of Community Nursing
|April 13, 2005
Summary
Effective communication for district nurses in palliative care involves assessing patient understanding of their illness. This study explores challenges like denial and anger, offering strategies for the crucial first patient visit.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Palliative Care
- Communication Studies
Background:
- District nurses face unique communication challenges in palliative care.
- Effective communication is vital for patient well-being and care quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and discuss key communication skills for district nurses in palliative care.
- To explore strategies for managing challenging patient interactions during the first visit.
- To apply Wilkinson's communication framework to understand patient responses.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative discussion of communication scenarios.
- Application of a theoretical framework (Wilkinson's communication styles).
- Focus on the initial district nurse-patient encounter.
Main Results:
- Assessing patient knowledge of their illness is crucial for effective communication.
- District nurses may encounter patient denial, anger, and direct questioning.
- Wilkinson's framework aids in understanding and responding to challenging situations.
Conclusions:
- District nurses require specific communication skills for palliative care.
- Understanding patient knowledge and employing appropriate communication styles are key to managing challenging interactions.
- The initial visit is a critical opportunity for establishing effective communication.