Discussion: DUE in 3hrs a summary of the interview and a description of the communication techniques you would use with your assigned patient. Explain why you would use these techniques. Identify the risk assessment instrument you selected, and justify why it would be applicable to the selected patient. Provide at least five targeted questions you would ask the patient.

Summary of the Interview:

During the interview, I had the opportunity to speak with a patient who was recently diagnosed with a chronic illness. The patient expressed feelings of frustration, fear, and confusion regarding their new diagnosis. They mentioned struggling with understanding their treatment plan and managing their symptoms on a daily basis. The patient also mentioned experiencing difficulty communicating their needs to their healthcare team, leading to misunderstandings and gaps in their care. It was evident that the patient was seeking support and guidance in navigating their new reality.

Communication Techniques:

In order to effectively communicate with the assigned patient, it is important to adopt specific communication techniques that can address their needs and concerns. Firstly, active listening is crucial in establishing a supportive and empathetic environment. By attentively listening to the patient’s thoughts, feelings, and questions, I can gain a deeper understanding of their unique situation while providing them with emotional support. Active listening involves maintaining eye contact, using appropriate non-verbal cues, and offering verbal affirmations, such as nodding and summarizing their statements.

Secondly, clear and concise language is essential to ensure the patient understands the information shared during conversations. Using simplified terms and avoiding medical jargon can help overcome any barriers to comprehension that the patient may encounter. This type of communication will allow the patient to actively participate in decision-making and better adhere to their treatment plan. Additionally, encouraging the patient to ask questions and verifying their understanding of the information provided will contribute to their overall knowledge and empowerment.

Thirdly, employing a patient-centered approach will enable me to tailor the communication style and content to the patient’s individual needs. By recognizing and respecting the patient’s autonomy, preferences, and cultural background, I can create a supportive environment that promotes trust and respect. This approach ensures that the patient feels comfortable and actively involved in their care, leading to improved health outcomes.

Lastly, utilizing visual aids and written materials can enhance the patient’s comprehension and retention of important information. By providing pamphlets, diagrams, or videos that explain complex medical concepts in a visual and easily accessible manner, the patient can have a point of reference to consult outside of the healthcare setting. This approach also caters to different learning styles, ensuring that the patient’s specific needs are met.

Rationale for Communication Techniques:

The chosen communication techniques are essential in promoting effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients. Active listening allows healthcare providers to understand the patient’s concerns holistically, providing emotional support while addressing the patient’s physical needs. By actively engaging in a patient-centered approach, healthcare providers can acknowledge the patient’s autonomy and enhance their decision-making power, ultimately fostering a sense of empowerment within the patient. Using clear and concise language helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that the patient comprehends important information related to their illness, treatment plan, and self-management strategies. The consideration of visual aids and written materials assists patients in retaining information and supports their autonomy outside of the healthcare setting.

Risk Assessment Instrument:

For the assigned patient, the risk assessment instrument that I would select is the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). The PCS is a well-established tool that measures the extent to which individuals experience catastrophic thinking related to pain. It assesses the patient’s thoughts and feelings about pain, including a sense of helplessness, magnification of pain, and feelings of inability to cope. This instrument is applicable to the selected patient as they expressed feelings of frustration and fear regarding their chronic illness. By identifying the patient’s level of pain catastrophizing, it can inform healthcare providers of the level of distress the patient may be experiencing and guide interventions to better support the patient’s psychological well-being.

Targeted Questions:

1. How has your recent diagnosis affected your daily activities and overall quality of life?
2. Can you describe any specific challenges or concerns you have related to managing your symptoms?
3. Are there any aspects of your treatment plan that you find confusing or difficult to follow?
4. How well do you feel you have been able to communicate your needs to your healthcare team?
5. What strategies have you used to cope with any difficulties or frustrations you have encountered since your diagnosis?