Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills and professional courtesy when interacting with patients, family members, and other healthcare workers.

Demonstration should include

• verbal vs. nonverbal communication
• subjective vs. objective assessment
• private vs. public consultation with patients, families, and colleagues to protect patient confidentiality
• appropriate age-specific interactions with patients based on the patient’s age and abilities across cognitive, affective, and psychomotor spectrums
• respecting the culture, religion, and lifestyle of patients, families, and coworkers
• matching education to the needs of the patient and family members.

Process/Skill Questions:

• How can nonverbal communication be used effectively in the patient setting?
• What is the difference between a subjective and objective assessment?
• What techniques could the respiratory therapist use with a dementia patient?
• What techniques could the respiratory therapist use to explain a treatment to a 4-year-old?