Communication in Nursing

Communication Overview

  • Definition of Communication:

    • The process by which information is transferred from one person to another.

    • Information is shared through:

    • Verbal connections (spoken words).

    • Body language (physical gestures).

    • Emotions (feelings expressed).

    • Technology or other equipment used for communication.

Communication Models

  • Shannon-Weaver Communication Model:

    • One of the first communication models.

    • Designed primarily for technical communication.

    • Comprised of six key components:

    • Sender: The originator of the message.

    • Encoder: Translates the message into a signal.

    • Channel: The medium through which the message is sent.

    • Decoder: Converts the signal back into the message for the receiver.

    • Receiver: The target of the message.

    • Noise: Any interference that affects the clarity of the message.

  • Schramm’s Model of Communication:

    • Suggests communication is an engaged process.

    • Emphasizes exchange and feedback between the sender and receiver.

  • Berlo’s Model of Communication (S-M-C-R Model):

    • Stands for Sender-Message-Channel-Receiver.

    • Focuses on the four fundamental components critical in communication.

Components of Communication

  • All communication models, despite differences, include at a minimum:

    • Sender

    • Receiver

    • Message

Feedback in Communication

  • Feedback defined:

    • Allows both sender and receiver to confirm if the message was understood as intended.

Forms of Communication

  • Verbal Communication:

    • Refers to what is said, involving spoken words.

  • Nonverbal Communication:

    • Involves physical gestures, also known as body language, which conveys meaning beyond words.

  • Electronic Communication:

    • Communication facilitated through digital means such as emails or messaging apps.

  • Written Communication:

    • Involves any communication conveyed through written text.

Communication Styles

  • Passive Communication:

    • Individuals avoid conflict, often saying nothing or just agreeing, leading to unexpressed discontent.

  • Assertive Communication:

    • Honest and clear communication that respects the rights of others.

  • Aggressive Communication:

    • Involves verbal and sometimes physical abuse towards others, disregarding their rights.

  • Passive-Aggressive Communication:

    • Apparent passivity masks underlying anger and resentment, expressed in subtle or indirect ways.

Influences on Communication Effectiveness

  • Factors influencing communication effectiveness may include:

    • Clients' psychosocial and physiological states.

    • Nursing staff's interpersonal factors.

  • Question for Consideration:

    • Think of real-life examples where such factors impacted communication.

Motivational Interviewing

  • Defined as a form of therapeutic communication that aids in developing plans to enhance client engagement.

  • Utilizes various techniques, encapsulated in the mnemonic OARS which stands for:

    • Open-ended questions: Encourages clients to provide detailed responses.

    • Affirmations: Validates client’s thoughts and feelings.

    • Reflective listening: Confirms understanding by restating what clients have said.

    • Summarizing: Reviews the conversation to consolidate understanding.

Communication Barriers

  • Common barriers to communication include:

    • Language differences.

    • Cultural diversities.

    • Speech or hearing impairments.

    • Developmental or cognitive disorders.

    • Effects from medications.

    • Influence of recreational drugs.

    • Emotional distress.

    • Environmental factors distracting from the communication process.