Clinical Skin Analysis

This article discusses the self-reflection and analysis of a clinical skin analysis, including building rapport with the patient, communication barriers, and the use of guidelines for skin analysis.

Running head: CLINICAL SKIN ANALYSIS 1
Clinical Skin Analysis
Student’s Name:
Institutional Affiliation:

CLINICAL SKIN ANALYSIS 2
Self-Reflection and Analysis
Self-Reflection
Building on patient trust and confidentiality requires a focus on establishing rapport and
building a therapeutic relationship. Personally, I used a solid and comprehensive introduction
that covered my clinical background, experiences with skin patients, concerns, and reported
positive health outcomes. This introduction provided the patient with a clear understanding of
my profession and its role in advancing patient-centered care. Active listening was considered as
a classic technique for cultivating a therapeutic relationship. I took momentary pauses to listen to
the client and inquired when anything was not clear (Hart, 2010).
Active listening offered the patient a sense of attention and reaffirmed the fact that his
health condition was being addressed. Other techniques I utilized in building a positive
relationship and rapport with the skin patient included; expressing empathy, maintaining an open
communication channel, and projecting calmness. The above techniques were successful since
the patient shared vast information about his condition, and did not appear reserved to withhold
any clinical data. The patient also remained constantly engaged throughout the conversation.
Cultural barrier was a significant challenge throughout the beginning. The patient was of
the Asian-American origin and appeared quite careful about the information she shared. As a
result, cultural barriers created a sense of misunderstanding and it barred communication
altogether (Liu & Butler, 2017). Personally, I believe that frequent clarifications from the client,
as well as interrupting the conversation for clarity purposes hindered communication altogether.
This is particularly because the patient appeared uncomfortable about repetition but he altogether
managed to offer information that helped shape the therapeutic relationship (Judd, 2017).

CLINICAL SKIN ANALYSIS 3
Further, gender differences and fears about privacy and confidentiality can be termed as great
barriers to communication. In the future, I might consider addressing cultural issues by
addressing cultural competency. This means that training on cross-cultural communication is
altogether pertinent in the realization of varied communication objectives.
Analysis
The skin analysis guideline provided a format to structure findings and key reporting
from the client. First, it helped to establish clear lines of communication and inquiry about the
skin condition, and this provision enhanced the level of understanding about the problem. The
guideline further saved time since questions were well structured and it encompassed a limited
set of pre-determined questions (In Inamadar & In Palit, 2013). Finally, the guideline helped to
identify clinical questions, issues, and details that were important to the patient and which would
help in the realization of patient-centered care. The guideline also ensured that the skin measures
and parameters were well evaluated in a methodological manner. This means that the entire
guideline on dermatology provided a critical benchmark for evaluating the skin condition and
gaining a broad understanding of this clinical issue.
The interaction with the patient to deliver patient-centered and results-oriented care led to
important findings of skin irregularities that are frequently symptoms of skin disorders. For
instance, the patient expressed concerned about raised skin bumps that were red and white.
Peeling, scary, and rough skin was noted as other defining characteristics of the condition.
Throughout the discussion, the patient had breakouts on the skin composed of whiteheads,
redheads, pimples, painful nodules and cysts. The one-on-one interaction with the patient
brought to light key skin observations that would help in the diagnosis and treatment of the
patient. Most importantly, the outstanding skin issues added knowledge in the treatment and

CLINICAL SKIN ANALYSIS 4
management of skin conditions. What was also clear about the patient’s skin is the presence of
scars, breakouts, red and painful fluid-filled blisters located on the lips.
There was adequate access to various equipment used in SOP although the absence of
crucial materials such as recording tables, testing kits, and evaluation sheets affected the quality
of service delivery. Fortunately, I had access to scribing notebook, pencils, and clinical lenses,
and other equipment required for the SOP. Personally, I believe that lack of crucial materials
affected the recording of data, compromised the data collection and interaction process with the
patient (Health Association, 2008). Most importantly, I believe a collection of equipment will be
relevant and helpful throughout the interaction with the skin patient. For instance, scalpels help
in the extraction of ready bumps. Blackhead extractors are required for regular unblocking of
skin pores, nail care equipment for the regular maintenance and assessment of skin and nails.
This equipment provides a platform for the dermatologist to fully evaluate the skin condition and
offer effective clinical intervention and management plans.
This analysis identifies that the interaction with the skin patient brought to insight key
issues and concerns about the skin condition. The first part of the paper addresses
communication issues with the client. It notes that active listening, introduction, and seeking
clarification were key approaches used to establish rapport with the patient. The paper proceeds
to note that there are specific action and behavior that blocked communication. It notes that
cultural barriers were a significant challenge throughout the beginning. The patient was of the
Asian-American origin and appeared quite careful about the information she shared. As a result,
cultural barriers created a sense of misunderstanding and it barred communication altogether.
In the future, I might consider addressing cultural issues by addressing cultural
competency. The paper identifies that the interaction with the patient to deliver patient-centered

CLINICAL SKIN ANALYSIS 5
and results-oriented care led to important findings of skin irregularities that are frequently
symptoms of skin disorders. There was adequate access to various equipment used in SOP
although the absence of crucial materials such as recording tables, testing kits, and evaluation
sheets affected the quality of service delivery. Fortunately, I had access to scribing notebook,
pencils, and clinical lenses, and other equipment required for the SOP.

CLINICAL SKIN ANALYSIS 6
References
Hart, V. (2010). Patient-provider communications: Caring to listen. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and
Bartlett.
Health Association. (2008). Medical team training: Strategies for improving patient care and
communication. Oak Brook, Ill: Joint Commission Resources.
In Inamadar, A. C., & In Palit, A. (2013). Critical care in dermatology.
Judd, M. (2017). Communication strategies for patients with dementia. (Nursing.)
Liu, M., & Butler, L. M. (2017). Patient communication for pharmacy: A case-study approach
to theory and practice.