Professional Attitudes and Communications Lecture Notes

These 100 vocabulary flashcards cover professional attitudes, cultural diversity, communication skills, special patient circumstances, and the stages of grief as presented in Chapter 6 of the radiography curriculum materials.

Ageism

A discriminatory attitude toward the elderly that includes a belief that all elderly are ill, disabled, worthless, or unattractive.

Aggressiveness

A communication style that is hostile or angry, not to be confused with being assertive.

Aphasia

A defect or loss of language function in which comprehension or expression of words is impaired because of injury to language centers in the brain.

Assertiveness

A state of being often necessary in healthcare that is distinct from hostname or angry aggression.

Autonomy

The patient's right to some level of self-governance and control over their care.

Chronic

A term describing a condition or illness that persists over a long duration.

Diagnosis

The identification of a medical condition.

Electrolarynx

A device that may be used by someone who cannot speak normally to produce vocal sounds.

Ethnic

National or cultural identity that contributes to the scope of diversity.

Hospice

Care focused on the quality of life for people who are experiencing an advanced, life-limiting illness.

Oncology

The branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

Palliative

Care aimed at providing relief from the symptoms and stress of a serious illness rather than a cure.

Prognosis

The expected outcome of a medical condition.

Regimen

A prescribed course of medical treatment, way of life, or diet for the promotion or restoration of health.

Sizeism

Discrimination based on body size which can negatively affect mental and physical health.

Therapeutic communication

A process in which the healthcare professional consciously influences a client or helps them to a better understanding through verbal or nonverbal communication.

Valid choice

Alternatives provided to a patient that are all acceptable to the provider, giving the patient a sense of participation in their care.

Scope of Diversity

The range of racial, ethnic, and culturally identified characteristics in a population.

Generational groups

Cultural groups defined by the era or age range in which individuals were born.

Nonracial physical characteristics

Groups based on physical traits such as being blind, deaf, disabled, or obese.

Socioeconomic groups

Groups defined by their social and economic standing which influences healthcare access.

Family structure diversity

Includes singles, unmarried couples, traditional nuclear families, single parents, and large extended families.

Asian cultural characteristic (Communication)

Maintain respectful distance, use a calm voice, and smile while minimizing eye contact to calm a nervous patient.

Geographic location

A factor that affects access to healthcare, with urban areas generally having more advanced facilities than rural areas.

Rural population challenges

Includes fewer healthcare services, limited specialists, greater travel distances, and higher transportation costs.

Marginalized group hesitation

The tendency of some patients to withhold personal information due to fear of discrimination.

Religious impact on healthcare

Beliefs that can affect acceptance of treatments, vaccination decisions, and dietary restrictions.

Dietary laws

Kosher or halal practices that may affect nutrition and treatment planning for specific religious groups.

Lower socioeconomic status barriers

Lack of insurance, inability to afford medication, and transportation difficulties leading to delayed care.

Psychological stigma

Negative social perceptions that can discourage patients from seeking care due to embarrassment or fear of judgment.

ARRT Code of Ethics

Requires radiographers to put aside personal prejudice and emotional bias while respecting human dignity.

Nonverbal Communication examples

Includes eye contact, touch, and physical appearance, which are interpreted based on culture.

Listening Skills

The ability to give a speaker full attention and focus rather than just waiting for a turn to speak.

Verbal Skills (Patient care)

The ability to use language and content appropriate for the patient, often using layman’s terms.

Touch protocol

Telling the patient in advance what you are about to do and using a firm, professional, and purposeful touch.

Safety path (Hostile situation)

Maintaining a clear path between yourself and the door if a patient or family member becomes hostile.

Validation of Communication (Definition)

An indication of clear understanding where the speaker receives a response that demonstrates comprehension.

Communication Under Stress (Techniques)

Lowering your voice, speaking slowly and clearly, and remaining nonjudgmental.

Identification Standards (The Joint Commission)

Seeking out two forms of identification per patient to ensure accuracy.

Addressing the Patient

Introducing yourself first and avoiding identifying patients by their exam rather than their name.

Terms of endearment (Appropriateness)

Names like "honey" or "sweetie" should be avoided when addressing patients.

Avoiding Assumptions

A practice to prevent errors, such as assuming a patient followed prep procedures or using routine positioning for everyone.

Assessment Through Communication

Combining observation with therapeutic communication to determine a patient's ability to cooperate.

Specific verbal strategies

Techniques used in therapeutic communication to convey acceptance and respect of the patient's condition.

Rejecting (Deterrent)

A communication shutdown where the provider says, "I don't want to hear about…"

Disapproving (Deterrent)

A deterrent example: "That's not a good thing to do" or "I wish you'd stop that."

Disagreeing (Deterrent)

A deterrent example: "I don't agree with…" or "That can't be right."

Advising (Deterrent)

A deterrent example: "I think you should…" or "Why don't you just…"

Requesting an explanation (Deterrent)

A deterrent example: "Why do you think so?" or "Why do you feel that way?"

Indicating external source (Deterrent)

A deterrent example: "What made you do that?" or "Who told you that?"

Belittling feelings (Deterrent)

Minimizing a patient's emotions, such as saying "Everyone gets the blues sometimes" when a patient expresses misery.

Denial (Deterrent)

Dismissing a patient's concerns, such as responding "Don't be silly" to a patient stating they won't get well.

Special Circumstances (Communication)

Situations like aphasia, deafness, impaired vision, or altered states of consciousness that require adapted communication.

Sensory deprivation vs. Mental capacity

Recognition that the loss of a sense does not automatically affect a patient's mental capacity.

Federal Law (Interpreters)

Guarantees patients the right to effective communication, often requiring hospitals to provide signs and interpreters.

Family as interpreters (Problem)

The tendency of family members to edit the conversation rather than translating exactly.

Interpreter etiquette

Looking at the patient when speaking rather than looking only at the interpreter.

Hearing Impaired tips

Face the person with light on your face, speak lower and louder, and rephrase if not understood.

Hearing loss register

Frequency loss often occurs in the upper register, making lower-pitched voices easier to hear.

Deaf Culture

A unique cultural group of deaf persons with specific communication needs.

Chart flagging (Deafness)

Alerting care providers that a patient is deaf via a note or mark in their medical records.

Impaired Vision techniques

Asking what assistance is needed, providing surrounding descriptions, or allowing the patient to touch your elbow as a guide.

Aphasia assessment

Asking nursing staff for useful methods, as some patients can write while others can only nod.

Impaired Mental Function (Communication)

Treating adults as adults rather than children and repeating instructions as needed.

Altered State of Consciousness (Hearing)

The principle that unconscious patients may still hear and comprehend what is being said.

Altered State of Consciousness (Actions)

The principle that patients in this state are not responsible for their actions or answers.

Neonate and infant (Age)

Birth to $1$ year.

Toddler (Age)

$1-2$ years.

Preschooler (Age)

$3-5$ years.

School age (Age)

$6-12$ years.

Adolescent (Age)

$13-18$ years.

Young adult (Age)

$19-45$ years.

Middle adult (Age)

$46-64$ years.

Late adult (Age)

$65-79$ years.

Old adult (Age)

$80$ years and older.

Patients over $75$ (Healthcare attitudes)

The group most likely to accept the word of healthcare professionals without question.

Patient Teaching materials

Written materials are useful for complex preparation or follow-up instructions.

Patient Teaching opportunities

Occurs during procedure explanations, responding to concerns, or giving prep and follow-up instructions.

Family Communication needs

Providing information on restrooms, cafeterias, procedure length, and delays.

Kübler-Ross: Denial

The first stage of grief where the person refuses to accept the truth or discuss possibility of loss.

Kübler-Ross: Anger

The stage of grief where frustration and outrage may be vented on healthcare workers.

Kübler-Ross: Bargaining

The stage of grief involving attempts to earn forgiveness or mitigate loss by being "very good."

Kübler-Ross: Depression

The stage of grief where the person is acquiescent, quiet, withdrawn, and may cry easily.

Kübler-Ross: Acceptance

The final stage where the person accepts the loss and deals with life on a realistic, day-to-day basis.

Communication with Coworkers

The use of good interpersonal skills, listening, and avoiding gossip to accomplish common patient goals.

Faxing Confidential Information

Requires a phone call to the recipient before transmission to ensure legal compliance and privacy.

Generational groups examples

Distinct age cohorts such as Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, etc.

Religious prohibitions

Certain medical procedures or preventive practices that are discouraged or forbidden by specific faiths.

Weight-related stigma impact

Can contribute to eating disorders and discourage patients from seeking medical care.

Nonverbal Communication: Appearance

The professional presentation of the healthcare worker which is interpreted by the patient.

Layman’s terms

Translating complex medical terminology into language that a non-medical professional can understand.

Validation (Short answer)

Asking the patient a question about what you just explained to confirm they comprehended.

Stress interference

The effect that high stress has on the ability to process information accurately and appropriately.

Introduction (Addressing patient)

The first step in clinical communication to establish a professional relationship.

Control (Valid Choices)

Providing choices to give the patient a sense of autonomy over their situation.

Patient cooperation assessment

Using observation and communication to check if a patient can physically or mentally comply with exam requirements.

Interpreters (Direct translation)

The rule that an interpreter will translate only what is said by and to the patient without editing.

Toddler communication

The use of two to three word sentences by a child aged $1-2$.

Late adult address

Patients in the $65-79$ age range often respond best to their full name or formal titles like Mrs. Jones.

Cooperation with healthcare providers

The practice of working together with other staff to make common goals easier for the patient.