Therapeutic Communication, Interprofessional Collaboration and Patient-Centred Care

This article discusses the concept of therapeutic communication in the field of nursing and how it can improve a person-centred approach to healthcare. It also explores the barriers to effective therapeutic communication and the role of interprofessional collaboration in delivering person-centred care.

Running Head: THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION, INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION AND
PATIENT-CENTRED CARE
Therapeutic Communication, Interprofessional Collaboration and Patient-Centred care
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THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION, INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION AND PATIENT-
CENTRED CARE 2
Therapeutic Communication, interprofessional collaboration and Patient-Centred care
Introduction
Therapeutic communication is a key and essential tool which should be used in every
situation and occasion when dealing with a client in the healthcare setting. It is a process in
which healthcare professionals can take to improve understanding of individuals in the message
in which they are sending via verbal and nonverbal communication. Therapeutic
communication encompasses the use of extensive and comprehensive approaches which
motivate a person to demonstrate feelings and ideas Bramhall, 2014). In the field of nursing,
therapeutic communication is vital in providing adequate and efficient care, empathy,
understanding. Within this critical paper, I will discuss the concept of therapeutic
communication in the field of nursing and how it can improve a person-centred approach to
healthcare. I will also discuss the key barriers to effective therapeutic communication in person-
centred care, the role of interprofessional collaboration practice in the effective delivery of
person-centred care. Lastly, I will identify communication strategies which can be used in
improving the interprofessional collaboration practice in the delivery of person-centred care.
Therapeutic communications and Person-centred Care
Therapeutic communication is described as the process in which healthcare provider
consciously influences a patient or aids him or her to a better comprehension via verbal or
nonverbal communication. It involves the utilisation of particular strategies which enhance the
client to express ideas and feelings as well as which convey respect and acceptance.
Nevertheless, therapeutic communication concept has been described by various researchers
evaluating the terms differently, in terms of meaning and structure. In person-centred care,
therapeutic communication entails the interpersonal communication taking place between the
nurse and the patient with the intention of helping the patient. Person-centred care is an
approach in healthcare management in which the patient takes control and charge in the
treatment process. The patient, family members, friends and relatives are integrated into the
treatment with the aim of helping the patient. In therapeutic communication, the skills needed
to deliver effective person-centred care are very delicate and numerous than those needed in

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the general communication relationship (Doherty & Thompson, 2014). Mastering of the
therapeutic communication techniques and skills helps the healthcare provider to understand
the patient better.
To achieve and deliver quality care to the patient, the nurse must follow and adhere to
the rule of confidentiality and privacy which ensures that the patients right to privacy is
enhanced and the patient will be able to express himself or herself freely. The nurse should
respect the dignity of the patient by taking into consideration his or her background, race, age,
socioeconomic status, and religion (Smith & Kirkpatrick, 2013). In the therapeutic relationship,
the nurse must be able to differentiate between the intentions and needs of the patient, that is,
setting limits in case the patient feels that his needs or intentions are going to be infringed
(Pope, 2015). A nurse should apply nursing professionalism when communicating with the
patient so that he or she feels comfortable in the treatment process.
Barriers to effective communication in nursing practice
Therapeutic communication is a significant element in the provision of high-quality and
person-centred care services resulting in client satisfaction and health. Effective and efficient
communication between a patient and a healthcare provider requires the healthcare provider
to have a general idea and understanding of the personal background, previous health
experience of the patient. However, there are some barriers which hinder the smooth
communication between the patient and the nurse. Barriers to effective therapeutic
communication between the nurse and the patient can be divided into social, psychological,
physical themes (Amoah et al. 2019). Therapeutic communication barriers themes usually
overlap based on the patients and nurse factors as well as the interaction between them.
Physical barriers to effective therapeutic communication involve the environment in which the
interaction takes place. For instance, ambient noise, inadequate privacy, room size and
insufficient lighting can hinder a smooth relationship between the nurse and the patient. The
numerous responsibilities by nurses minimise the time available to medically take care of the
patients as well as communicate the various healthcare staff. Psychological barriers to an
effective communication entail personality traits, psychological disorders and anxiety (Amoah

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et al. 2019). Anxiety experienced by the nurses concerning patient care usually reduces
communication between the nurse and the patient. Social barriers to effective communication
are coined around culture. For instance, culture forms the foundation of an individual’s roles,
rituals, laws, religion and customs. Culture is dependent on communication for the progression
of culture while communication styles and practices are normally influenced by culture (Amoah
et al. 2019).
Interprofessional collaboration practices and patient-centred care
To deal with the intricate and complex healthcare demands and needs of the patients in
the patient-centered model, various healthcare professionals need to collaborate. The process
in which various health workers from various professional backgrounds operate and work
together with communities, caregivers, patients and families to provide the highest quality care
effectively is known as interprofessional collaboration (Suter et al. 2009). The interprofessional
collaboration aims to get more synchronised and tailored patient-centred care delivery from
various disciplines. The perspective of the patient also plays a vital role in this process. For
instance, shared talking concerning the patient, coming up with action plans as well as creating
a patient-centred care model are considered as significant strategies and tools to integrate the
client in the process of decision making. Thus, the patient discusses the treatment process and
sets goals with the healthcare provider. After setting the goals and sharing them with the nurse,
the nurse discusses the goals with the various professionals with the healthcare setting
(Orchard, 2010). This approach is vital as every decision and idea of each professional together
with that of the patient is taken into consideration.
Communication strategies utilised to enhance interprofessional collaboration and patient-
centred care
One of the best communication strategies which improve interprofessional
collaboration and patient-centered care is having open meetings with all the stakeholders. The
meeting must appreciate and respect the decision and ideas of every individual and share the
results of the meeting (Maame Kissiwaa Amoah, Anokye, Boakye & Gyamfi, 2018). Another

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communication strategy is the use of various channels to enhance the delivery of the
information provided.
Conclusion
Therapeutic communication is important between the client and the nurse for the
delivery of high-quality and healthy patient-centred care. Even though there are various
barriers to effective communication, the use of interprofessional collaboration can alleviate
such problems by integrating and involving various professionals in patient-centred care
delivery.

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