Therapeutic Communication

The purpose of the initial client interview is to gather data, establish rapport, and lay a foundation for trust between the client and the nurse. An expression of warmth and respect by the nurse facilitates this exchange. Give the person special attention at the beginning of the interview by calling the client name and using appropriate touch. The nurse must clearly state any expectations and assess the client’s understanding of the communication. Therapeutic communication techniques are valuable. However, an attitude of caring is the foundation of therapeutic transaction. The nurse should be aware of actions that often block communication.

After the initial interview, a therapeutic communication process is established। Empathetic communication is a skill acquired through self-awareness and perceptive listening (Goodner & Skidmore-Roth, 1993).

Communicating Effectively With Older

Communicating with older clients often requires extra time and patience because of physical, psychologic, and social changes of normal aging. The following tips make communication with older people easier (From the American Speech, Language and Hearing Association, Rockville, Md, 1988):

• Before you begin your conversation, reduce distracting background noises (turn of the radio or television, close the door, move to a quieter place)।


• Begin the conversation with casual topics (the weather, what the person had for lunch)। Avoid crucial messages at the beginning.


• Continue conversation with familiar subjects such as family members and special interests of the person।


• Stick to a topic for a while। Avoid quick shifts from topic to topic.


• Keep your sentences and questions short। Rephrase rather than repeat a misunderstood sentence.


• Give older persons a chance to reminisce। Their memories are important to them.


• Allow extra time for responding। As people age, they function better at a slower tempo. Do not hurry them.


• Give the person choices to ease decision making (“Do you want tea or coffee?” rather than “What do you want to drink?”)।


• Be an active listener। If you are not sure what is being said, look for hints from eye gaze and gestures। Than take a guess (“Are you talking about the television news? Yes? Tell me more. I didn’t see it.”).

Note: Mosby’s Home Health Nursing Pocket Consultant