Strong theoretical underpinnings offer potential for practice

Abstract

Effective, patient, professional collaboration and engagement are central to the provision of quality care and patient satisfaction. Poor communication skills can affect a nurse’s ability to develop an effective therapeutic relationship with a patient. Collaborating with patients has been embedded in the core values of recent health policies, care standards and professional codes of practice. The Department of Health’s (DH) (2010) Essence of Care benchmark says patients, whether adults or children, and their carers should expect health professionals to communicate effectively.