Communication & Informatics Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes on Communication & Informatics.

Intrapersonal Communication

Communication within oneself; self-talk.

Interpersonal Communication

Communication between two or more people.

Group Communication

Communication with two or more people at the same time.

Public Speaking

Presentations to groups.

Assertive

Direct, open, honest, and non-judgmental communication.

Eye Contact

A nonverbal cue used to establish attention and connection in communication.

I Statements

Using clear, personal statements like 'I feel…' to express thoughts and feelings without speaking for others.

Verbal Communication

Using spoken or written words to send a message.

Nonverbal Communication

Communication through facial expressions, posture, gestures, touch, appearance, and eye behavior.

Facial Expressions

Nonverbal cues that convey emotions or attitudes.

Posture and Gait

Body positioning and movement as nonverbal communication.

Personal Appearance

Nonverbal cue reflecting self-presentation.

Gestures

Movements, especially of the hands, that convey information.

Touch

Physical contact as a form of nonverbal communication.

Phases of a Therapeutic Relationship

Stages of nurse–client interaction: Pre-Interaction, Orientation, Working, Termination.

Pre-Interaction Phase

Phase before meeting the client; information gathering without client contact.

Orientation Phase

Phase to build trust by introducing yourself, explaining your role, and establishing rapport.

Working Phase

Phase where most communication occurs; care is demonstrated and feelings are shared respectfully.

Termination Phase

End of the relationship; review what happened to conclude fairly.

Barriers to Therapeutic Communication

Factors that hinder effective communication; e.g., asking too many questions, firing information, etc.

Asking Too Many Questions

A barrier where excessive questioning disrupts conversation and trust.

Fire Hosing Information

Overwhelming the client with data, a barrier to effective communication.

Asking Why

Questioning that can imply blame and hinder rapport.

Changing the Subject Inappropriately

Shifting topics abruptly, which disrupts conversation flow.

Failing to Probe

Not exploring answers deeply enough; can miss important details.

Expressing Approval or Disapproval

Nonverbal or verbal judgments that hinder openness.

Offering Advice

Suggesting solutions instead of guiding the client to find their own answers.

Providing False Reassurance

unduly comforting statements that mask anxiety or uncertainty.

Stereotyping

Attributing characteristics to a group or individual that impede communication.

Patronizing Language

Talking down to the client; diminishes trust and respect.

Developing Conversation Skills

Strategies to improve speaking, including tone, knowledge, flexibility, and clarity.

Control Tone of Voice

Modulating voice to convey confidence and empathy.

Be Knowledgeable About Topic

Being well-informed to discuss topics accurately.

Be Flexible

Willingness to adapt conversation as needed.

Be Clear and Concise

Communicating in a straightforward, brief manner.

Avoid Ambiguity

Using precise language to prevent misinterpretation.

Be Truthful

Honest communication based on facts.

Keep an Open Mind

Receptiveness to new information and perspectives.

Take Advantage of Available Opportunities

Seizing chances to communicate effectively and engage with the client.

Developing Listening Skills

Techniques to improve listening, including posture and attention.

Sit While Communicating

Adopt a comfortable, attentive posture during dialogue.

Don’t Cross Arms or Legs

Open body posture signaling receptiveness.

Be Alert and Relaxed

Maintain awareness and composure to listen effectively.

Keep Conversation Natural

Maintain flow and authenticity in dialogue.

Maintain Eye Contact (as appropriate)

Use eye contact to show attentiveness without discomfort.

Use Appropriate Facial Expressions/Body Gestures

Align expressions and gestures with the message.

Be Attentive to Verbal/Nonverbal Communication

Monitor both spoken words and body language for full understanding.

Think Before Responding

Pause to consider a thoughtful, accurate reply.

Do Not Pretend to Listen

Avoid fake or distracted listening.

Listen for Themes in Client’s Comments

Identify recurring ideas or concerns in what the client says.

Use Silence, Touch, and Humor Appropriately

Employ these tools judiciously to improve communication.

Active Listening

Listening with sight and hearing; allowing the speaker to finish without interruption.

Open-Ended Questions

Questions that encourage detailed responses and elaboration.

Closed Questions

Questions that require brief or yes/no answers.

Validating Questions/Comments

Questions or statements that confirm understanding and accuracy.

Clarifying Questions/Comments

Questions to clarify ambiguous information.

Reflective Questions/Comments

Questions that reflect the speaker’s feelings or content to promote reflection.

Sequencing Questions/Comments

Questions arranged to obtain information in a logical order.

Directing Questions/Comments

Questions that guide the conversation toward specific topics.

Interpreter

Someone who translates or clarifies language barriers during communication.

Documentation

Recording a patient’s status and the care provided; done in chronological order.

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

A digital collection of patient data including prescriptions, labs, procedures, history, diagnoses, and plan of care.

Confidentiality

All patient information, whether written, electronic, or spoken, must be kept private.

Breaches in Confidentiality

Unauthorized disclosure or access to patient information.

Discussing Patient Information in Public Areas

A breach of confidentiality.

Failing to Log Off Computer Terminal

A breach of confidentiality and security.

Sharing Printer Among Units with Differing Functions

A breach of confidentiality.

Discarding Copies of Patient Health Information in Trash Cans

A breach of confidentiality.

Faxing Confidential Information to Unauthorized Persons

A breach of confidentiality.

Improperly Accessing Patient Records Out of Curiosity

A breach of confidentiality.

Sending Confidential E-mails via Public Networks

A breach of confidentiality.

Charting By Exception

Documenting only significant findings or deviations from the standard plan.

Advantages of Charting By Exception

Reduces documentation time; easily read; highlights variations from plan.

Disadvantages of Charting By Exception

May omit pertinent information; can miss skilled nursing judgment.

Handoff Report

Transfer of patient information including basic data, status changes, planned activities, tests, concerns, and unfulfilled orders.

SBARQ

Structured communication framework for handoffs: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation, Question.

Situation (SBARQ)

Identify yourself and patient; describe the present situation; include name and room number.

Background (SBARQ)

Provide pertinent circumstances leading up to the situation.

Assessment (SBARQ)

State the problem and what you think is causing it.

Recommendation (SBARQ)

Suggest action to address the problem.

Question (SBARQ)

Opportunity to ask or answer questions.

Military Time

Using a 24-hour clock for documenting time.

Health Information Exchange (HIE)

Provides interoperability and sharing of health information across providers.

Interoperability

The ability of different systems to exchange, interpret, and use data.

Nursing Informatics

Bringing together data, information, knowledge, and wisdom to improve nursing practice.

Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom (DIKW)

A framework describing how raw data become information, then knowledge, and finally wisdom in practice.

Nursing Informatics Specialists

Professionals who use data tools and EHRs to ensure high-quality patient care.

Informatics at Work

Applications like computer use, electronic messaging, social networking, online forums, web conferencing, telehealth, and EHRs.

Telehealth

Delivery of health care services via telecommunications.

Electronic Messaging

Electronic communication (e.g., secure email, portals) in healthcare.

Social Networking

Professional use of social networks to communicate or collaborate in health care.

Online Forums

Web-based discussion platforms used for education and collaboration.

Web Conferencing

Online meetings or conferences with audio/video communication.

Simulations

Computer-based or mannequin-based scenarios used for teaching and practice.

High-Fidelity Manikins

Advanced life-like patient simulators used for realistic clinical training.