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Notes on Continuity of Client Care Communication

Continuity of Client Care Communication

  • Emphasis on communication in healthcare settings.
    • Professional communication essential within teams and with patients.
    • Recap of last week’s focus: Therapeutic communication.

Importance of Therapeutic Communication

  • Therapeutic communication is crucial in mental health care.
    • Mental health communication differs significantly from general communication.
  • Resources recommended for further study:
    • Textbook for mental health
    • ATI ebook for mental health

Course Timeline

  • Mental health course begins in the sixth semester; two terms remain.
  • Milestone: A third of the term is already completed.
  • No classes in week fifteen due to finals, but assignments will be due early (Tuesday of finals week).

Types of Communication Highlighted

  • Two categories:
    • Verbal Communication: Spoken language used to convey information.
    • Nonverbal Communication: Body language, gestures, facial expressions, which often convey more than words.
    • Importance of consistency between verbal and nonverbal cues.
    • Example: Avoid distracting gestures (crossed arms, looking at watch) during patient communication.

Levels of Communication

  • Types of communication include:
    • Social communication
    • One-on-one communication
    • Group communication
    • Electronic communication
      • Caution against sending angry messages; consider implications before transmitting.

SBAR Tool

  • Introduction of SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) tool for effective communication in healthcare settings.
  • Assignment to practice using SBAR with a provided scenario.
  • Importance of using specified scenarios to derive accurate communication and assignments.

Continuity of Care

  • Definition: Handing off patient care seamlessly from one nurse to another.
  • Importance of a systematic approach to provide quality care.
  • Ensure patient understanding of reporting guidelines.

Reporting Patient Information

  • Communication with patients is paramount; first-hand information is the most reliable.
  • In certain situations, a guardian or medical proxy must be consulted (e.g., minors, patients with dementia).

Legal and Ethical Considerations

  • Importance of adhering to HIPAA regulations regarding patient privacy.
  • Nurses must avoid sharing patient information without explicit consent from the patient or legal permission.

Communication Challenges

  • Recognizing communication difficulties with minors, incapacitated patients, and amidst emergencies.
  • Legal representatives may change depending on the individual's circumstances (e.g., foster care, conservatorship).

Interprofessional Collaboration

  • Nurses at the center of communication among various healthcare professionals.
  • Encourage collaboration within teams to enhance patient care and understanding.
  • Importance of recognizing the role of each team member (e.g., physical therapists, social workers).

Task Delegation

  • Expectation of leadership within nursing roles, especially for BSN nurses.
  • Differentiation between professional roles and appropriate delegation of tasks.

Case Management

  • A case manager bridges communication between different professionals, facilities, and insurers, ensuring continuity in care.
  • Further discussions on case management scheduled for future classes.

Conclusion and Assignment Overview

  • Students to prepare a SBAR based on a given scenario outlined in Canvas; a template must be used for submission.
  • Emphasis on making the assignment legible—typed submissions preferred to facilitate grading.