Integrating new practices: a qualitative study

Running head: INTEGRATING PRACTICE 1
Integrating Practice
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INTEGRATING PRACTICE 2
Introduction
A rapport between health care professionals and patients is critical for effective
healthcare services. A rapport is the existing association between the healthcare provider and the
patient. A good rapport results in a harmonious relationship with patients and improves patient
care. This paper will critically provide evidence-based information on the factors to consider
when establishing and maintaining a rapport, the techniques, and effective therapeutic
techniques. Additionally, the paper provides my daily encounter with my adult patient and the
techniques I used to establish and maintain a good rapport.
Considerations for establishing and maintaining rapport
Several factors affect the rapport between nurses and patients. The surrounding
environment can affect effective communication and hence the rapport. For instance, the
physical appearance of nurses such as dress and odor can help create a rapport or be a hindrance
in itself. Nurses should be well-groomed and presentable to create a good first impression.
Additionally, the organization of the room such as furniture arrangement and general comfort are
critical in maintain rapport (O'Toole, 2020). To establish and maintain a rapport with my client, I
ensured that I was well-groomed and presentable and organized the furniture in the room even by
confirming the patient seat was comfortable.
Most importantly, cultural differences can be a hindrance to creating and maintain a
rapport if not carefully considered. Nurses must understand cultural variations so that they can be
accommodative of different cultures. The study by Reading and Greenwood (2018) on the
impact of Aboriginal Culture on treatment found out that the community closely associated their

INTEGRATING PRACTICE 3
culture with general health and wellness. Moreover, any disregard for their culture was a
hindrance to treatment.
Since my client was from the Aboriginal Community, I first had to treat the patient as an
individual and found out her cultural preferences using the Nursing culture assessment tool
(NCAT). This included an assessment of behaviors, expectations, satisfaction among others
(Kennerly, Heggestad, Myers, & Yap, 2015). In adhering to the Aboriginal culture such as the
avoidance of touch between different genders, I was able to win the confidence and trust of my
client and thus offer effective treatment service and avoid resistance.
Techniques used to establish and maintain rapport
Effective communication is one of the most effective ways of creating a rapport with
patients. Maintaining eye contact while communicating with a patient is an indication of care and
compassion and it also shows that a nurse is interested and understands the patient’s situation.
Another effective communication skill is through encouraging open communication (Price-
Kuehne, 2018). A study by Lang (2012) found out that good communication was a significant
factor in enhancing patient outcomes and understanding the communication preferences of the
patient is important in establishing a rapport. This can as well be achieved by encouraging the
patient to share their feelings. Active listening has also been found to be an effective and non-
intrusive way of sharing the thoughts of the patient and creating a rapport (Perry, Potter, &
Ostendorf, 2013).
When dealing with my adult client, I tried to practice effective communication by
maintaining eye contact and social touch. As a result, the facial expression on the patient’s face
was an indication of joy and compassion. I also practiced active listening by listening to what the