Non verbal Communication Essay

Submitted By lemyar
Words: 967
Pages: 4
Open Document
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION AND PATIENT CARE

Non-verbal communication is a subtle form of communication that takes place in the initial three seconds after meeting someone for the first time and can continue through the entire interaction. Research indicates that non-verbal communication accounts for approximately 70% of a communication episode.
Non-verbal communication can impact the success of communication more acutely than the spoken word.
Our culturally informed unconscious framework evaluates gestures, appearance, body language, the face, and how space is used. Yet, we are rarely aware of how persons from other cultures perceive our nonverbal communication or the subtle cues we have used to assess the person.
The following are case studies that provide examples of non-verbal miscommunication that can sabotage a patient-provider encounter. Broad cultural generalizations are used for illustrative purposes. They should not be mistaken for stereotypes. A stereotype and a generalization may appear similar, but they function very differently. A stereotype is an ending point; no attempt is made to learn whether the individual in question fits the statement. A generalization is a beginning point; it indicates common trends, but further information is needed to ascertain whether the statement is appropriate to a particular individual.
Generalizations can serve as a guide to be accompanied by individualized in-person assessment. As a rule, ask the patient, rather than assume you know the patient’s needs and wants. If asked, patients will usually share their personal beliefs, practices and preferences related to prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Eye Contact
Ellen was trying to teach her Navaho patient, Jim Nez, how to live with his newly diagnosed diabetes. She soon became extremely frustrated because she felt she was not getting through to him. He asked very few questions and never met her eyes. She reasoned from this that he was uninterested and therefore not listening to her.1
It is rude to meet and hold eye contact with an elder or someone in a position of authority such as health professionals in most Latino, Asian, American Indian and many Arab countries. It may be also considered a form of social aggression if a male insists on meeting and holding eye contact with a female.
Touch and Use of Space
A physician with a large medical group requested assistance encouraging young female patients to make and keep their first well woman appointment. The physician stated that this group had a high no-show rate and appointments did not go as smoothly as the physician would like.
Talk the patient through each exam so that the need for the physical contact is understood, prior to the initiation of the examination. Ease into the patients’ personal space. If there are any concerns, ask before entering the three-foot zone. This will help ease the patient’s level of discomfort and avoid any misinterpretation of physical contact. Additionally, physical contact between a male and female is strictly regulated in many cultures. An older female companion may be necessary during the visit.

A-04-04 (pg 1 of 2)

NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION AND PATIENT CARE (Continued)

Gestures
An Anglo patient named James Todd called out to Elena, a Filipino nurse: “Nurse, nurse.” Elena came to
Mr. Todd’s door and politely asked, “May I help you?” Mr. Todd beckoned her to come closer by motioning with his right index finger. Elena remained where she was and responded in an angry voice,
“What do you want?” Mr. Todd was confused. Why had Elena’s manner suddenly changed? 2
Gestures may have dramatically different meanings across cultures. It is best to think of gestures as a local dialect that is familiar only to insiders of the culture. Conservative use of hand or body gestures is recommended to avoid misunderstanding. In the case above, Elena took offense to Mr. Todd’s innocent hand gesture. In the Philippines
Show More

Related Documents: Non verbal Communication Essay

Non-verbal Communication Essay

Communication. It is the very basis and foundation of our daily routine. As humans, communication is essential in how we function and carry out our lives. Whether communicating ideas or just having conversation with a loved one, we use two main types every day; verbal and non-verbal communication. In essence, when we speak our thoughts or engage in conversation, we are displaying verbal communication. A simple definition we can all relate to and remember. Five main principles help give more depth…

Words 934 - Pages 4

Non verbal communication Essay

healthcare providers demonstrate their empathy and compassion through nonverbal communication. It is defined as the way people communicate without words through appearances, gestures, or tone of voice. We intend to use nonverbal communication from our early life as parents in our relationship with babies. Touch, facial expression, eye contact, baby’s cry, parent’s comforting sound are great examples of nonverbal communication that we can understand universally. In my situation, sometimes this is difficult…

Words 505 - Pages 3

Non verbal communication Essay

Non-verbal Communication Christine Garrison BSHS/385 June 8, 2015 University of Phoenix Non-verbal Communication Nonverbal communication has been a part of human society throughout history. There are many ways to communicate nonverbally through a person’s body language as well as the expressions on the individuals face. These can be a very powerful way to tell an individual how you feel as well as understanding another person’s feelings. Communication is an important part of or social growth as well…

Words 798 - Pages 4

Non Verbal Communication Essay

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING NON VERBAL COMMUNICATION INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 1ST YEAR Contents Introduction Body 1. The Power of Nonverbal communication and Body Language. 2. Reading Nonverbal Communication Cues. 3. Parts of Nonverbal Communication. 4. Using body language and nonverbal communication successfully. 1. Tips for successful nonverbal communication. 4.2. Nonverbal communication and body language:…

Words 2495 - Pages 10

Essay on Non Verbal Communication

Non­Verbal Communication By non-verbal communication we mean the process of communication without using words. There are three main aspects to this. Body language. This is by far the most important and complex. 2 3 It refers to all the signals that we give to others, often without realising, by our gestures, expression and movements and by our dress and personal grooming. 4 Signs, symbols and logos. Physical objects. BODY LANGUAGE 5 Gestures and Facial Expressions Nodding and shaking…

Words 833 - Pages 4

Essay on Non Verbal Communication

| Non Verbal Communication | | Drew M. Lubeck | 11/27/2012 | | | | | C ommunication consists of the following according to Merriam Webster, “: a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior.” (Communication, 2009) Criminal justice professionals can greatly benefit by improving their nonverbal communication recognition skills. In this field, it is essential to be able to accurately assess nonverbal communication…

Words 2113 - Pages 9

Non-Verbal Communication Essay

Non Verbal Communication XXXXX XXXXXX Briarcliffe College: HU103 Professor: XXXXX 2/28/2014 Abstract James Grunloh, sales representative for Appleton Office Supplies Company, has just entered the office of Bob Croze, office manager for Old Orchard Candle Makers. James, who has just graduated from college and has since started selling for Appleton, is dressed in a two-piece brown suit. As James enters the office, Bob, a large man around 50 years of age, sits behind a large…

Words 1181 - Pages 5

Essay Business: Non-verbal Communication

lj1.Why is nonverbal communication so important? How can you tell when non-verbal communication is effective? Communication involves far more than merely words. The majority of communication, in fact, occurs through the use of facial expressions and bodily movements. Many, in fact, view non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions and bodily movements, are providing more communication than words. “Research shows that 65 percent to 93 percent of communication is nonverbal” and includes…

Words 2237 - Pages 9

Explain The Importance Of Non-Verbal Communication

experiences. Communication is an essential tool a career can use to meet the needs of children and young people. It is a basic requirement of my job role to communicate with individuals and their families, other members of staff on a daily basis. Communicating with other staff members ensures effective team working and continuity of care. It also ensures any health and safety issues are recognised and reported. All carers attend hand over at the beginning of each shift and also complete communication books…

Words 3191 - Pages 13

Non Verbal Communication Research Paper

Topic Non-Verbal Communication Definition:- Nonverbal communication is usually understood as the process of communication through sending and receiving wordless (mostly visual) cues between people. Messages can be communicated through gestures and touch, by body language or posture, by facial expression and eye contact. It includes — but is not limited to: Facial expression Gestures Paralinguistic Body language and Posture Eye gaze Touch Appearance Smell…

Words 773 - Pages 4