The Potential Constraints Of Communication In Nursing

In nursing, communication is essential and needs to be effective whether it’s to the patient or other healthcare professionals. This communication can come in many forms like verbal or non-verbal (eg. Touch, body language...) and can facilitate communication but it can also inhibit it depending on the situation and in complex situations this can change between the two. There are many potential constraints for communication and some of these are shown in the case of Mrs. Romano. When working with linguistically diverse patients, these constraints can heighten and to effectively communicate with them you may need the aid of an interpreter or other external resources, as there can be very difficult language barriers to cross and work through for
Non-verbal communication can be used positively or poorly and include touch, facial expressions, posture, gait, gestures, general physical appearance, mode of dressing and grooming, sounds and silence. (Hillege & Groome, 2009) Touch is considered an essential communication tool when trying to communicate with clients from linguistically diverse backgrounds. It is viewed as one of the most effective ways to communicate comfort, particularly in patient centred care. (Hillege & Groome, 2009) In the case of Mrs. Romano, a friendly touch on her shoulder or hand would convey comfort and show her that you are there to care for her. Touch can also communicate anger or frustration, and can be considered inappropriate in person centred care, and invades the client’s sense of privacy and personal space. (Hillege & Groome, 2009) Therefore, only touch considered appropriate should be used with Mrs. Romano. An understanding of what the client is trying to communicate verbally and non-verbally is imperative in today’s multicultural society. (McCarthy, Cassidy, Graham, & Tuohy, 2013) In the case of Mrs. Romano, there may be language barriers inhibiting verbal
For example the “Nurse and Patient Language Helper” book could be a valuable resource. As it is “A visual tool to assist in the provision of quality care for patients from non-English speaking backgrounds”. (Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch), 2007) It has 50 different languages in it, translated to helpful sentences which can be used by medical practitioners in a hospital environment. (Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch), 2007) One of the phrases in the book is “Do you have pain?” and there are responses for the patient to point at for you to understand what their answer may be. (Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch), 2007) This would be a very effective way to communicate with Mrs. Romano as Italian is in the “Nurse and Patient Language Helper” (Australian Nursing Federation (Victorian Branch), 2007) making communication easier when use of an interpreter is