Communication in Health and Social Care - Term Paper Example

 Communication In Health and Social Care Abstract Communication, particularly speech, is an important and pivotal part in nursing practice. The weight of good communication in the conveyance of effective and fitting nursing care has been completely established and well-proven by research and is reproduced and suggested in various policies, both in private and public organizations. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the stress placed on the importance of a healthy and effective nurse-patient communication, good communication, especially speech, is direly affected by factors impinging on the effectiveness of speech. These factors include variations in vocal tone and pitch, choice of words, rate and volume at which words are expressed, and the improper use of pauses. Well-established studies demonstrate that one or a combination of these factors directly or indirectly influence the way messages are construed on the patients’ end. Given that speech can be very sensitive in nursing practice, a paradigm that details and elaborates appropriate communication approaches is needed to achieve a standardized speech model that is therapeutically beneficial to patients’ recovery and satisfaction. Communicating In Health and Social Organizations Introduction Human communication, particularly speech, is characteristically complicated, interpreted, controverted, and elaborated with tacit implications and messages, which include facial expressions, body language, and the tone and quality of voice (Riggio and Feldman, 2005). The emotional condition of the sender or speaker can be comprehended every so often regardless of the degree in which the receiver can understand them; or, even if the sender's words is not understood at all (Haskard, 2008). A number of emotive manifestations are common to every individual; thus, regardless how subtle emotional expressions are demonstrated, they are yet construed at a considerable level. As a matter of fact, even infants act in response to vocal tones (Grossman et al., 2005; Funnell et al., 2008). Understated components of communication influencing emotional involvement are put across by means of vocal persuasiveness and sensitivity to vocal tone (Choi et al., 2005). Speech is particularly crucial in nursing practice in that, it could oftentimes become extremely complicated given that aside from the words being used, it also takes in vocal pitch and tone, choice of words, rate and volume, and the application of pauses (Funnell et al., 2008), all of which deliver information about the speaker’s message. Review of Existing Studies In order to demonstrate the effects of nurses’ speech to patients, this study will evaluate how variations in vocal tone and pitch, rate and volume at which messages are conveyed, the choice of words, and the use of pauses impact patients. Communication is heavily regarded as a fundamental aspect of healthcare and patient well-being (The Joint Commission, 2010; Anderson, 2009). In the healthcare industry, particularly in nursing practice, effectual communication necessitates knowledge, ability and compassion towards the patients (Clark et. al, 2009). The nurses’ ability to communicate effectively is an indispensable factor in guaranteeing that the patients receive the maximum value and care (Enlow et al., 2010). Furthermore, appropriate speech is instrumental for an effective nurse-patient communication. Nurses should inform themselves of the patients’ behavioral patterns, through which appropriate communication approaches should be developed. According to Kim et al. (2008), nurse-patient communication is an imperative part of the nursing practice. While it could be challenging every so often (Kim et al., 2008), the impact of a healthy communication between nurses and patients demonstrates an overwhelming potential for patient recovery and satisfaction. Nevertheless, the manner in which messages are transmitted from a nurse to a patient is affected by the following factors: Vocal Tone and Pitch Vocal tone and pitch can bring a prevailing consequence that is sometimes more affecting than words being uttered (Schuster & Nykolyn, 2010). Notwithstanding the words used, varying vocal tone and pitch, as well as the volume at which words are spoken, could easily be misconstrued (Daniels, 2004). This aspect of the nursing practice is particularly critical in that a nurse’s vocal tone and pitch, and the modulations employed add implications to the message (Acello, 2004; Koutoukidis et al., 2012). Vocal tone and pitch can exhibit revulsion, anger, indifference, interest, and other sentiments. Any person can often conclude further regarding another person from the manner in which the words are uttered as opposed to the words being used (Koutoukidis et al., 2012). One third of the message transmitted from one person to another is put across via tone and pitch (Acello, 2004). Thus, changes in the vocal tone and pitch can sway the intended meaning of the message, and could even flare up misunderstanding between nurses and patients (Koutoukidis et al., 2012; Acello, 2004; Arnott et al., 2012). The implication of the message changes by simply modulating vocal tone and pitch. Further, it has been identified that nurses sometimes show disrespect to elderly patients by using “baby talk” and other associated vocal tone and pitch (Bach & Grant, 2011). This shows that while the spoken word is important, vocal tone and pitch, and the suitability of the words are equally important in nursing practice (Arnott et al., 2012). Rate and Volume Just like the vocal tone and pitch, rate and volume are similarly crucial factors that influence the way spoken words are construed on the patients’ end. A minor inflection in the rate and volume of speech could stir up misinterpretation and false impressions (Funnell et al., 2008). It is imperative that rate and volume are maintained at a moderate level (Funnell et al., 2008). In order to avoid misunderstandings, especially with patients who are suffering from hearing impairment, nurses should consult the patient concerning the rate and volume of speech that is desirable for them (Koutoukidis et al., 2012). Choice of Words Communication is highly susceptible to “cultural and linguistic dilemmas” (Allen et al., 2007), which link to enunciation and environmental situation. Eccentricity with words suggests a possibility of reduction with the original implication and comprehension obtained by nurses. It is owing to this fact that choice of words can be a substantial factor as it bends the intended meaning of a word; thereby increases the probability of communication failure. Thus, words are essential to clarifying the meaning and perception by communicating the message (Allen et al., 2007), especially in the nursing practice wherein patients may be directly affected by the words used to address their concerns. Choice of words, together with tone of voice, gives cues to the implication of the word spoken (Hegner et al., 2010); it also provides the context in which messages are communicated. Improper Use of Pauses Pauses, if use properly, are excellent means to provide patients the opportunity to ponder over what they desire to say or complain about; nevertheless, pauses that are too lengthy may sound discomfited and distressing (Funnell et al., 2008). In a nurse-patient communication where speech is extremely prone to misinterpretations, nurses should knowingly assess the manner in which they talk to the patients and should establish a deliberate consciousness of the tone and pitch, and rate and volume whenever they communicate with the patients (Funnell et al., 2008). As mentioned above, a healthy and effective nurse-patient communication is a definitive factor and predictor for patient outcomes including patient recovery and satisfaction. Recent studies show that there are strong positive correlations between a healthcare team member’s ability to communicate effectively and appropriately and a patient’s capability to complete with “medical recommendations, self-manage a chronic medical condition, and adopt preventive health behaviours” (Institute of Healthcare Communication, 2011). Studies show that there are considerable relationships between the health care provider’s ability to listen, explain and identify with the patients and the “biological and functional health outcomes” of the patients in addition to patient recovery and satisfaction (Institute of Healthcare Communication, 2011). Whereas nurses may acknowledge the importance of appropriate speech in dealing with patients, what transpires in reality is that nurses’ actions dissuade nurse-patient communication and involvement (Wellard et al., 2003). Barriers in a healthy and effective nurse-patient communication emerge as a result of the misapplication of vocal tone and pitch, choice of words, the rate and volume at which words are expressed, and the incorrect use of pauses. These factors lead to the purpose of this study that seeks to: (1) determine a direct correlation between inappropriate speech and patient outcomes including patient recovery and satisfaction; (2) to identify substantial factors affecting nurse-patient communication; and (3) to come up with a paradigm that aids in the implementation of appropriate speech in nursing practice. The Importance of this Study The study of the different variations in tone, pitch, rate and volume at which words are being expressed is found to be extremely important in the nursing practice. A modification in the way communication is being carried out towards the patients, especially inflections in tone and pitch, has been observed to predict patient outcomes. The implication of the findings of this research is that there is a substantial correlation between the speech of the nurses and patient recovery and satisfaction. If the health care administration desires to guarantee that patients are given quality nursing care, it is imperative that they edify themselves of the critical role that communication plays in a nurse-patient relationship. Establishing a paradigm that elaborates the effects of the speech of nurses to patients can aid in advancing nurse-patient communication, which is fundamental for patient recovery and satisfaction. Nurses should take full advantage of the therapeutic effects of appropriate speech by openly and coordinately familiarizing good communication to accomplish intermediary upshots connected with enhanced health. Communication in Social Media and Emergency The advent of new technologies, particularly computers, and the information explosion has brought so many changes, both good and bad, in the way people live nowadays. The fabrication of the World Wide Web or the internet gave birth to the foundation of social media, which is proliferating like mushrooms. Social media comes in various platforms and some of the most common platforms are the following: Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Instagram, and many others. The junction of social networking sites and the mobile phone technologies, with the latest applications installable in most mobile phones, revolutionizes the way people communicate with and to each other (Castells, 2007), particularly during emergency situations. Today, the media, governmental institutions, and emergency management agencies have adopted a new type of online technology that will allow them to converse, interconnect, to work together, and disseminate information on a larger scope (Hjorth, 2009). There are no qualms in the fact that the way information is being distributed from one person to another is rapidly changing; that the backcloth of information has been revolutionized more than ever. Initially, social media is used for socializing with friends and other individuals of different nationalities, languages, race, colour, etc. but now, it has taken a new role in the society, that is, to serve as a revolutionary tool in disseminating information during emergency situations. Considering the nature of social media, that is, a platform that enables individuals to channel a virtual communication with their family, friends, and acquaintances and even with strangers, it is a great tool to use during emergency situations. There are manifold reasons why social media is best and extremely helpful during emergency situations: (1) the scope or coverage; (2) the accessibility; (3) the rate at which information can be transmitted from one person to another or from one person to a group. First, social media is highly effective during emergency situation because of its scope and coverage. Social media are platforms that allow people to make their own personal outline over the internet through different social networking sites (Boyd & Ellison, 2007). Most social networking sites, especially Facebook and Twitter, allow users to include personal information on their profile. These information could include name, address, and contact numbers. This is particularly crucial in that location and contact numbers are highly significant data that can be used to track or locate individuals during emergency situations; and the huge scope of social media with its innovative scheme of processing and relaying information, could create a greater and punctual avenue for individuals who may be affected by emergency conditions like floods, fire, and other forms of disaster to be able to call for help and eventually receive timely assistance. The wide-ranging scope of social media has become an asset for both the people, the local, state, and national government, and the emergency management teams because it would be easier now for these agencies to track the extent of a disaster or any emergency; and for them to be able to provide an initial support to those who are in need. Indeed, more and more people nowadays are connected to at least one social media platform. In fact, “a survey we conducted here at the Red Cross found that almost a third of the population would use social media to let loved ones know they are safe”, says Wendy Harman (2012), Director of Social Strategy for the American Red Cross. Another important feature of social media is its accessibility. Social networking sites are now installed in most mobile technologies that provide a fresher way to communicate with others. This is remarkably innovatory in that mobile phones are more accessible than any other type of gadget. Also, it has multiple uses. It can be used to call someone, to send a text message to someone, and now, to communicate with others through social media. The convergence of social media and mobile phone technologies provided an easier way for the people to manage services in swapping personal or less-personal information in public domain, that is, the internet; aids in managing emergency situations; and helps emergency-blighted people to stay calm and focused, whether they are directly or indirectly affected by the emergency situation (Jilek, 2010). Furthermore, just like laptops and personal computers which are likewise very much accessible, mobile phone companies partners with telecommunication networks in providing consumers with perks and free access to social networking sites without having any load balance at all. During emergency situations, power outages are very much feasible to take place; if this happens, computer access to the internet becomes limited depending on how much power is left in the computer; conversely, mobile phone technologies take a longer time before it runs out of power so communication can still be done until help arrives. Also, social networks can allow the distribution of information to millions of people which is best during emergency situations. Information like weather conditions, warnings, evacuation sites, etc. can be disseminated using social networking sites through computers and mobile phones. Another interesting advantage in using social media during emergency situations is the rate at which message can be relayed from one person to another or from one social network user to a group. Social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter are excellent tools in disseminating information instantaneously. Facebook has a chat box that allows user to exchange information with one of the user’s contacts which is an excellent way to contact family, friends and government authorities during emergencies, especially if there is an immediate need for rescue. Twitter is another excellent social media platform that enables its users to display short messages called “tweets” which are purposely fashioned to mimic the way personal conversations are being carried out. The good thing about twitter is that it is highly instantaneous not just in spreading messages or crucial information but also images and videos. But just like any other means of communication, social media has its own downside. Because of its high accessibility and the manner in which conversations are being done in social networking sites, oftentimes, they are used to spread hoax messages and wrong information. Every so often, the motives behind spreading faulty messages and information are to stir public attention and to cause panic to the masses, which is absolutely unhelpful during emergency situations. Also, the rate at which messages and information comes in and the number of data that a social networking site receives sometimes triggers confusion among users. Because of varied opinions from one person to another, there is an inevitable inaccuracy in the information disseminated on social networking sites. As a result, it creates problematic disarray on the people affected by certain emergency situations. Nevertheless, technology has affected transformation in the way emergency management is being performed in the scene. The arrival of a new platform of communication, that is, social media provided a revolutionary and systematic method for responding to emergency situations with the employment of social networking sites in the methods of acting on crisis and disasters. Social networking sites place so much ease and haste on the way information is being transmitted. As discussed earlier, social media has its own downside, that is, the accuracy of the information sometimes is rather imprecise. Emergency management team could balance the situation by acting as a virtual or online authority in providing the proper emergency procedures. To increase the public’s awareness of its authority, appropriate information dissemination is needed, which can also be executed and channelled through different social media platforms. Bibliographic Entry Acello, B. (2004). Nursing assisting: Essentials for long-term care. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning. Allen, S., Chapman, Y., O'Connor, M., & Francis, K. (2007). The importance of language for nursing: Does it convey commonality of meaning and is it important to do so. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 24(4), 47-51. Anderson, L.L. (2009). Communication in nursing. 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