Importance of Effective Nurse-Patient Communication in Therapeutic Relationship and Patient Safety

This essay explains the importance of effective nurse-patient communication in therapeutic relationship and patient safety, using the case scenario of Helen Henderson. It discusses the impact of verbal and non-verbal communication, patient-centered care, and documentation. The essay highlights the need for nurse education programs to focus on developing effective communication skills.

Running head: NURSING
Nursing
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Author’s note

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Therapeutic nurse-patient relationship is defined as a relationship that is based on trust
and respect, non-judgmental attitude and taking all steps to meet physical, spiritual and
emotional needs of patient. This form of therapeutic relationship is fostered by the
implementation of effective nurse-patient communication process. This essay aims to explain the
benefit effective nurse-patient communication is necessary on therapeutic nurse-patient
relationship and patient safety and apply the concept of verbal and non-verbal communication,
patient centred care and documentation in the case scenario of Helen Henderson, a 43 year old
female Catholic, who is not very active and leads a stressful lifestyle. She feels very tired and
has come to a registered nurse to know about healthy eating and changes needed in her lifestyle.
The essay demonstrate the effectiveness of verbal and non-verbal communication technique on
completing appropriate assessment of Helen and understanding her key health concerns. By the
application of patient-centred care principle, the essay demonstrates the benefit of considering
patient’s preference on patient satisfaction with care. The technique of effective documentation
shows that accurate recording of patient information promotes safety of patient.
The impact of verbal and non-verbal communication processes between nurse and patient
shows how nurse can develop therapeutic relationship with patient. The significance of effective
nurse-patient communication is that it strengthens nurse-patient relationship by the proper
exchange of information and identifying all immediate needs and concern of patient that could
affect their health outcomes (Hill, Hall & Glew, 2014). For example, in the case scenario of
Helen Andersen, who is not very active and has a stressful life, he wants suggestion from nurse
regarding how to change his lifestyle. The nurse who is involved in assessing this patient can
use verbal and non-verbal communication skills to identify the factors that influence Helen’s
ability to engage in active life style. This would involve displaying both verbal and non-verbal

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communication skills to get all necessary information from patient. To ensure that Helen is
comfortable and she has complete trust on nurse, the nurse needs to first engage in rapport
building with Helen by introducing her to patient and explaining the purpose of the session
(Murray & McCrone, 2015). Secondly, according to Glew, Hillege and Hardy (2014), the nurse
needs to use verbal communication skills such as clear language and proper method of inquiry to
understand barriers in life that prevent her from physical activity. In addition, use of non-verbal
skills by nurse like using touch to provide reassurance, share warmth and emotional support can
enhance self-esteem and increase motivation of patient to bring positive changes in her lifestyle.
While using non-verbal means of communication, it is important for nurse to respect patient’s
dignity and cultural values because according to NMBA standard 2, engaging in therapeutic
relationship involves communicating effectively and respecting patient’s dignity and cultural
values (Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, 2016). Hence, this form of communication
skill will help to identify patient’s concern, develop therapeutic relationship and plan
individualized care plan for patient.
Nurse’s interaction with patient at vital point of care helps to fulfil person-centred care
values and understand all preferences of patient regarding their care process and treatment. As
active communication and listening skills makes patient comfortable and increase their trust in
the care provided, this helps to develop therapeutic relationship with patient (Kourkouta &
Papathanasiou 2014). The main advantage of this form of therapeutic communication with
patient is that it not only increases patient’s engagement in care but also promotes adherence
with treatment (Delaney, 2018). Hence, any likelihood of patient safety issues or ethical concerns
due to violation of patient’s autonomy or preferences is minimized by the nurse’s capability to
engage in effective communication process using patient centred approach (Levett-Jones, 2016).

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In the case scenario of Helen, patient-centred skills like active listening and respecting patient’s
preference can be used to promote and preserve well-being of Helen. This means applying the
knowledge of physical, social, emotional and spiritual dimensions of the patient in care process
(Hall & Glew, 2014). Helen’s de-facto relationship with her Janine should be considered and the
nurse can see how family support improves Helen’s health. Hence, while suggesting changes in
lifestyle to Helen, the nurse must ensure that the new behaviour does not interfere with Helen’s
cultural or spiritual values. While proposing any new exercise or physical activity routine to
Helen, the nurse must make sure to confirm with Helen whether he is okay with the change or
does it interferes with her cultural or spiritual values. This consideration will also ensure that
patient adheres to the care plan without any concerns. The adaption of patient centred care
practices will ensure that patients can better manage their health. Evidence also supports the use
of patient centred approach to empower patients to make changes in their lifestyle (Delaney,
2018).
There is a need to review the impact of documentation on therapeutic nurse-patient
relationship and patient safety. This is dependent not only on therapeutic communication skills
but also on effective documentation process. Nurse’s ability to produce accurate documentation
can help in continual assessment of patient’s needs and promoting continuity of care by sharing
the details to all relevant health care members (Hill, Hall & Glew, 2014). For example, in the
context of Helen Henderson, the nurse can focus on developing accurate records regarding vital
signs of patient, medical history, cultural and religion preferences and details about family. For
example, her BMI is high which can seriously have an effect on her health. Helen is also taking
2-3 glasses of alcohol per day which is higher than the normal limit of 1 drink per day for
women. Recording this information during documentation will ensure that involved health care

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staffs are aware about Helen’s condition even when the nurse is not present. Helen’s specific
preference like her consciousness of protecting the skin can also be noted down to plan
appropriate physical activity that does not disrupts her personal lifestyle and values. Hence, such
documentation can have an impact on safety of patient as correct documentation will ensure that
patient is directed towards correct care pathway.
From the analysis of the case scenario of Helen, the essay revealed that effective use of
verbal and non-verbal communication skills helps to develop therapeutic relationship with
patient by gaining their trust and increasing their satisfaction with care. In addition, therapeutic
relationship through effective communication is developed by patient-centred care which helps
to identify care preferences of Helen. In addition, the essay revealed the benefit of effective
documentation on promoting safety of patient by recording patient’s immediate health issues
accurately. This discussion in the essay gives the implication that nurse education program
should focus on developing effective communication skills of nurse so that therapeutic nurse-
patient relationship is fostered and patients are satisfied with the overall care provided.

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References:
Delaney, L. J. (2018). Patient-centred care as an approach to improving health care in
Australia. Collegian, 25(1), 119-123. Retrieved from:
https://www.collegianjournal.com/article/S1322-7696(17)30042-2/fulltext
Glew, P., Hillege, S., & Hardy, J. (2014). Communication. In H. Hall & P. Glew, (Eds).
Fundamentals of nursing and midwifery : a person-centred approach to care. Sydney,
Australia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Hall, H., & Glew, P. (2014). In H. Hall & P. Glew, (Eds). Introduction to nursing, midwifery
and person-centred care Fundamentals of nursing and midwifery : a person-centred
approach to care. Sydney, Australia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Hill, R., Hall, H., & Glew, P. (2014). In H. Hall & P. Glew, (Eds). Fundamentals of nursing and
midwifery : a person-centred approach to care. Sydney, Australia: Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins
Kourkouta, L., & Papathanasiou, I. V. (2014). Communication in nursing practice. Materia
socio-medica, 26(1), 65. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3990376/
Levett-Jones, T. (2016). Critical Conversations for Patient Safety EBook. Pearson Australia Pty
Limited.
Murray, B., & McCrone, S. (2015). An integrative review of promoting trust in the patient–
primary care provider relationship. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 71(1), 3-23. Retrieved
from: https://sci-hub.tw/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25113235

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Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (2016). Registered Nurse Standards of Practice.
Retrieved from: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-
Statements/Professional-standards/registered-nurse-standards-for-practice.aspx