Group communication is often broken down into various subcategories, focusing on the different types of groups, components, strategies, and roles. Implementing the theories and principles of communication is important for adequate patient care. Effective personal and professional communication benefits the patients and other health professionals; whereas, the lack of effective communication can lead to poor patient outcomes and a hostile and unproductive work environment. One form of health communication is small group communication.
Small group communication refers to the verbal and nonverbal communication that occurs among a collection of individuals whose relationships make them, to some degree, interdependent (Northouse & Northouse, 1998, p. 196). When developing a small group, there are several components of small groups that can affect the groups’ functioning (Northouse & Northouse, 1998, p. 222).
Goals, norms, cohesiveness, leader behaviors, member behaviors, and therapeutic factors are the components that need consideration. Goals give the reason for forming a group.Goals can be formulated ideas that the group members decide on. Norms justify the behavioral expectations for the members. Cohesiveness is the sense of ‘we-ness’ shared by group members that stimulates members to stay in a group (Northouse & Northouse, 1998, p.
222). Leader and member behaviors are important because groups would benefit from having active, supporting, and helpful members, rather than members who are not. Having a leader who can motivate others and who has excellent communication skills as well as mediation skills is important.Individual members should be able to hold up the expectations of the group. Therapeutic factors are the last important component for small groups.
This factor helps motivate members, gives support, and positive influence. Small groups may also be broken up into different categories. The first category is task groups. These groups focus on the goal of the group. They decide how the group will proceed and accomplish the goal. Next are process groups, which focus on the individual members and the communication style throughout the group.
Last are the midrange groups, which fall between the other two groups. Combined strategies form each group are implemented. Phases are processes small groups go through for effective communication. The first phase is the orientation phase. This is the phase where group members decide individual reasoning for joining a group and were they fit in, Group rules may be set, topics are discussed, and roles are developed.
The second phase is the conflict phase. During this phase, competition may occur between members. Individuals also begin to address personal concerns and the concerns of others.The third phase is cohesion; essentially members want to develop unity during this phase (Northouse & Northouse, 1998, p.
219). Members continue to express opinion, and attempt to be understanding and listen to opinions of others. The fourth phase is the working phase, which is similar to cohesion. This phase goes more in depth then cohesion.
During this phase, little leadership is needed. Members are working together to achieve the initial goal. The last phase is termination, which occurs when the goals of the group have been meant.Personal communication is important in healthcare with others healthcare professionals, clients, and patients for numerous reasons. Using appropriate communication techniques with other professionals, clients and patients provides for efficient patient care.
When working with a coworker, client, or patient be sure to be kind, courteous, and caring. Patients and clients’ tend to express individual needs and concerns to those who are kind, rather than those who are aggressive. For employees, working with a person whom is caring and courteous makes for a pleasant work environment.Individual’s working in a pleasant environment typically work more efficiently. Demonstrating appropriate body language is important when communication to all parties.
It speaks louder that words and expresses one’s feelings. Effective professional healthcare communication, results in efficient patient care. When working with other professionals, if a problem occurs, addressing the issues is important. If problems go unaddressed, continuous issues may occur.
Communicating care and compassion to a patient, lessens the concerns for error with care.For example, if someone gives a medication, does not chart it, the patient may receive the medication twice. Communicating also promotes and encourages team-work. Setting and establishing team goals makes team-work efficient. When communicating with patients and clients, developing a good relationship can be very important. Effective communication with patients and clients starts with being a good listener.
Understanding the patient’s needs and concerns, will allow a person to provide the care and education needed. Establishing a plan of care can be challenging.Involving the patient and family members is important. Always remember to respect a patient’s wishes. A patient who is comfortable in addressing needs and concerns will have a better health outcome. Lack of effective personal and professional healthcare communication can lead to poor health outcomes for numerous reasons.
If two staff members continuously fight and use aggressive behaviors, adequate patient care will be jeopardized; someone who does not communicate concerns could eventually find themselves working in a hostile environment.The nurse, who chooses not to listen to a patient, may miss a pertinent part of the patient’s history. Concerns and needs of the patient could be overlooked. Later jeopardizing the appropriate care needed. Lack of communication could even result in patient death.
Theories and principles of therapeutic communication in healthcare should be recognized by health professionals. Recognizing and applying the theories promotes understanding and patient needs to health professionals. Recognizing and applying the theories promotes understanding and patient needs to health professionals.When communicating with patients, professionals should make sure they established a good relationship with a patient.
The first step in developing a good relationship is introducing oneself to the patient and family. Remember, involving the patient and family members is important. If a patient does not want family members involved, professionals need to respect that. Maintaining a comfort level, listening to the patient and family members, respecting wishes and cultures is also important. Effective therapeutic communication results in excellent healthcare treatment.The therapeutic factor is a theory and principle of therapeutic communication between patients.
This factor is separated into two categories. The first factor is instillation of hope. This factor is a support system for many that helps encourage a patient to go through a process and gives them hope, by watching others in similar situations. The factor not only encourages one, by watching another, but it gives opportunity to communicate between one another, giving additional support.
They are provided with opportunity to listen to how others coped and dealt with things. The second factor is universality.
