Unit 3 Communication in the Health Care Setting

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to communication in the health care setting based on a lecture from 'Introduction to Health Care'.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

A model ranking human needs in order of importance for fulfilling one’s potential, where lower-level needs must be satisfied before higher-level needs can be addressed.

Cultural competence

The ability of health care professionals to understand, respect, and effectively communicate with patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Empathy

The capacity to understand and share the feelings of another, important for building patient-provider relationships.

Implicit bias

Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.

Therapeutic communication

A communication process aimed at meeting patient needs while promoting healing and understanding.

Active listening

Fully focusing, observing, and responding to a speaker in a way that conveys understanding and respect.

Health literacy

The degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand basic health information to make informed health decisions.

Nonverbal communication

Communication without words, including body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice.

Defense mechanisms

Psychological strategies used unconsciously to cope with reality and maintain self-image or emotional balance.

Gossip

Unnecessary, negative conversation concerning people who are not present, which can compromise patient privacy and care.

Cultural differences

Variations in values, beliefs, and practices among different cultural groups that affect health care interactions.

Patient engagement

The involvement of patients in their own health care decisions, which can enhance treatment outcomes.