The purpose of this assignment is to observe and reflect on psychosocial nursing communication with a focus on end-of-life care as well as interprofessional communication and collaboration. Review the WIT movie reflection instructions and rubric prior to watching the movie and use the rubric as an outline to help with the assignment.
Introduction
Psychosocial nursing communication plays a vital role in end-of-life care, as it focuses on providing support and comfort to patients and their families during a challenging and emotionally sensitive time. In addition to this, effective interprofessional communication and collaboration are essential in ensuring that the needs of the patient are met holistically. This assignment aims to observe and reflect on psychosocial nursing communication with a specific focus on end-of-life care, as well as explore the importance of interprofessional communication and collaboration in this context.
Observation of Psychosocial Nursing Communication
Psychosocial nursing communication involves actively listening and responding to patients’ emotional and social needs, providing appropriate support, and facilitating the expression of feelings. It is crucial in end-of-life care as it helps address the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of the patient’s experience. By observing psychosocial nursing communication in a specific scenario, one can gain insight into its impact on patients and families.
In the movie WIT, the protagonist, Vivian Bearing, is a renowned professor of English literature who is diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. Throughout the film, we witness various interactions between Vivian and her healthcare team, which provide valuable insights into psychosocial nursing communication. Vivian’s nurse, Susie, demonstrates effective communication skills by actively listening to Vivian’s concerns, validating her feelings, and engaging in therapeutic dialogue. For instance, during a particularly distressing moment, Susie stays by Vivian’s side and offers emotional support and empathy. From this observation, it is evident that psychosocial nursing communication can help alleviate distress and positively impact the patient’s overall well-being.
Reflection on Psychosocial Nursing Communication
Reflecting on the observed psychosocial nursing communication in the movie WIT, it becomes apparent that several key factors contribute to its effectiveness. Firstly, active listening is a fundamental aspect of psychosocial nursing communication. It involves being fully present, paying attention to verbal and non-verbal cues, and demonstrating genuine interest in the patient’s concerns. This is exemplified in the film when Susie maintains eye contact with Vivian, nods in understanding, and provides verbal affirmations. Active listening fosters trust, enhances empathy, and creates a safe space for patients to express their emotions.
Secondly, validating the patient’s feelings is essential in psychosocial nursing communication. Validating means acknowledging and accepting the patient’s emotions without judgment. In the movie, Susie validates Vivian’s fears, sadness, and anger, which helps Vivian feel understood and supported. This promotes open communication and allows for a collaborative approach to address the psychosocial needs of the patient.
Thirdly, engaging in therapeutic dialogue is a crucial component of psychosocial nursing communication. It involves asking open-ended questions, using reflective statements, and encouraging the patient to express their thoughts and concerns. This is demonstrated in the film when Susie asks Vivian about her preferences for end-of-life care and actively engages in discussing Vivian’s goals, fears, and hopes. Therapeutic dialogue facilitates the exploration of the patient’s emotions and promotes a sense of agency and empowerment.
Importance of Interprofessional Communication and Collaboration
End-of-life care requires a multidisciplinary approach, with healthcare professionals from various disciplines working together to ensure comprehensive and holistic care. Effective interprofessional communication and collaboration are essential in this context as they facilitate coordinated care, enhance patient outcomes, and improve the overall quality of care.
Interprofessional communication involves the exchange of information, collaboration, and shared decision-making among healthcare professionals from different disciplines. In end-of-life care, interprofessional communication allows for the integration of various perspectives, expertise, and skills to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.