Use effective communication to interact with a patient/client, a patient's/client’s family, and other members of the healthcare team.

Use should include

  • demonstration of
    • interpersonal skills
    • trust
    • empathy
    • compassion
    • competence
    • kindness
  • sufficient time with a patient/client
  • communication that is delivered, received, and verified
  • medical terminology for a patient/client and the family
  • avoidance or surmounting of barriers to communication, such as those related to language, culture, environment, age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and special needs of a patient/client (e.g., visual and hearing impairments).

Process/Skill Questions:

  • How does effective communication help the healthcare provider gain the trust of a patient/client?
  • How can a healthcare provider verify that a message is received and understood?