Looking at Describing the Literature Which Underpins Current Practice of This Core Skill in Health Care Settings, Discuss the Importance of Active Listening in Communication
The following discussion focuses on communication, describing the literature which underpins current practice of this core skill in health care settings. For clarity purposes the writer will initially define the term, “communication” as a core skill, in current practice then concentrate on Active Listening – its effects on client(s), staff, and the safety issues involved.
Hugman (2009) defines communication as the sending and receiving of a message, signal, information and data. Effective communication can be verbal, non-verbal or even both. Miller and Nicholson’s 1976 study (cited Arnold and Boggs 2007, p15) shows that communication is a unique skill that has a high influence in the receiver’s behaviour. Hence, health care professionals need to have a comprehensive understanding of the appropriate aspects of communication in dealing with clients in a society of multi-cultural diversity. One of the most vital aspects of communication is active listening which helps them to understand both words and underlying thoughts and feelings of their clients (Moss 2008 and Burnard 2000). According to www.studygs.net/listening, active listening is, “a habit as well as the foundation of effective communication. It doesn’t necessarily mean to agree but understand what they are saying”.
As an important aspect of effective communication, active listening provides a solid base of a nurse-client relationship and individuals know themselves and others even through silence (Arnold and Boggs 2009), thus through verbal and non-verbal (body language) communication. Health professionals who listen actively to patients are likely to make an accurate, comprehensive diagnosis to detect emotional distress in patients and respond appropriately. Patients will be less anxious because they will have received satisfactory treatment and are able to follow the advice given to them by the health professionals. A study carried out on patients showed that patients who were not allowed to share
Hugman (2009) defines communication as the sending and receiving of a message, signal, information and data. Effective communication can be verbal, non-verbal or even both. Miller and Nicholson’s 1976 study (cited Arnold and Boggs 2007, p15) shows that communication is a unique skill that has a high influence in the receiver’s behaviour. Hence, health care professionals need to have a comprehensive understanding of the appropriate aspects of communication in dealing with clients in a society of multi-cultural diversity. One of the most vital aspects of communication is active listening which helps them to understand both words and underlying thoughts and feelings of their clients (Moss 2008 and Burnard 2000). According to www.studygs.net/listening, active listening is, “a habit as well as the foundation of effective communication. It doesn’t necessarily mean to agree but understand what they are saying”.
As an important aspect of effective communication, active listening provides a solid base of a nurse-client relationship and individuals know themselves and others even through silence (Arnold and Boggs 2009), thus through verbal and non-verbal (body language) communication. Health professionals who listen actively to patients are likely to make an accurate, comprehensive diagnosis to detect emotional distress in patients and respond appropriately. Patients will be less anxious because they will have received satisfactory treatment and are able to follow the advice given to them by the health professionals. A study carried out on patients showed that patients who were not allowed to share