March 2012 Volume 1, Issue 2
UMMC Nursing Newsletter Tips on Clear Communication with Patients & Families Facts What is “health literacy”? The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information & services needed to make appropriate health decisions. About 1/2 of the US adult population has difficulty using text (write & read) to accomplish everyday tasks. Writing literacy skills: 29% basic & 14% below basic = 43%! Ability of the average American to use numbers: 33% basic ability & 22% below basic = 55%! How Can Nurses Improve Communication Skills? Listening is just as • Make eye contact when talking to patients & families. important as speaking • Use your spoken & body language carefully - may convey the wrong message. • Use plain language & probe for understanding. • Limit information to 2 or 3 important points at a time. • Use “teach back” and “show back” techniques, • Use pictures, charts, and diagrams to enhance the communication process. • When using interpreters, talk directly to the patient , not to the interpreter Tips to Using Teach Back or Show Back Techniques to Evaluate Comprehension When finished with patient teaching, have the patient: ♦ Paraphrase instructions; ♦ Observe patient demonstration and provide feedback; ♦ Reassure patient that others have difficulty with information; ♦ Encourage patient to teach family or friends in your presence; ♦ Ask open-ended questions that assess application of new knowledge.
Scripted Huddle for Unit Teaching “In order to better assist & prepare our patients, clear communication about diagnosis & plan of care are very important. Always utilize the ‘Ask Me 3’ concept:
ASK ME 3!
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What is the patient’s main problem? What does the patient need to do? Why is it important? Make sure the patient teaches back or shows back understanding. Adjust your teaching style to the patient’s learning style.” 1