Summary: Therapeutic Communication

The single most defining attribute in therapeutic communication is the patient. Therapeutic communication recognizes the patient as the source of control and full partner in providing compassionate and coordinated care, (Webster, 2013). The focus of communication embraces the patient as a unique individual influenced by its culture, beliefs, age, education, community, and environment. Therapeutic communication incorporates these influences and mingles them into an effective interaction between the nurse and patient. In the last decades patients have become increasingly informed about their conditions, and involved in the decision making process involving treatment, (Popa-Velea, & Purcarea, 2014). This increased awareness has amplified fear …show more content…
is a 28 year-old African American male presenting with paranoia and responding to internal stimuli. The patient has visual and auditory hallucinations that have increased since he ran out of his medication two weeks ago. The patient was admitted to the psychiatric unit for stabilization and a medication regimen. On admission, the nurse notices that the patient is disheveled with torn clothing, matted hair, and is appearing to be talking to his self. Upon approach, the nurse speaks clearly and allows the patient time to respond and acknowledges that the nurse is waiting. As the patient begins speaking, the nurse uses active listening to allow the patient to express why he has stopped taking his medication and how he feels about his illness. The nurse notices that the patient is avoiding direct eye contact and is easily distracted. The nurse uses broad opening statements that help the patient to elaborate on his current situation and what he anticipates his treatment to be. The patient expresses to the nurse that he ran out of medication and did not have the necessary means to pay for his refills. He expressed that he was living with his mother who has since put him out of her home based on his current condition. The nurse acknowledges the patients feelings and allows the patient to finish his thoughts and verbalize his concerns before continuing with questions. The nurse notices the patient’s body language as he consistently shifts in his seat and taps on his leg. The …show more content…
By using therapeutic communication, negative behaviors by the patients are decreased and interventions during crises are defused by verbal de-escalations rather than seclusions or restraints. Patient understanding of treatment is improved and compliance is kept outside of the health care environment. Nursing understanding of patient needs is increased and better formulated treatment options are developed. Therapeutic communication is a tool that should be taught to nursing students and working nurses. It is an essential feature when interacting with patients during regular nursing

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