Elements of care, part 3: communicating

Abstract

This article considers communication. Communication is one of the key activities of living in the Roper-Logan-Tierney model (2000) . Effective communication is crucial when offering people care and support, as it assists in understanding the needs and concerns of the patient, building a therapeutic relationship between the patient and support staff, and planning and delivering individualised care. Communication is more than the verbal exchanges that take place, it also includes non-verbal cues, written communication and the appropriate use of silence. When the healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner engage in effective communication, they can create an environment where the patient feels comfortable in expressing how they are feeling, divulging their fears and making known their expectations.