Analysis of Communication in Healthcare Using Driscoll's Model

This essay examines the importance of communication in healthcare using Driscoll's reflection model, drawing from the author's experience as an intern in the NHS. The essay explores the impact of communication on patients, particularly those suffering from depression and anxiety. It highlights the need for improved communication strategies, including active listening, empathy, and the creation of supportive environments within hospitals. The author reflects on personal experiences, analyzes specific events, and proposes corrective actions to enhance patient well-being and improve the overall healthcare experience. The essay emphasizes the importance of communication skills, the value of interaction with patients, and the need for flexible policies within healthcare systems. The essay concludes by underscoring the significance of the Driscoll model in guiding decisions and promoting effective communication in healthcare settings. The author reflects on personal growth and the impact of the experience on communication skills.

ESSAY

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................3
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Communication is concerned with the passing of necessary information by the sender to
the receiver. It is important to have an effective communication both between the individuals and
in the organization as well (Riley, 2015). Driscoll's reflection model is made to guide the
reflection and it includes different stages to express reflection. The current study will highlight
the importance of communication through Driscoll's model (Deslandes, and et.al., 2018).
MAIN BODY
PART A
Driscoll's model of reflection.
 Having an experience in clinical practice: Recently, I worked as an intern in NHS
(National Healthcare system) and got the opportunity to interact with various patients. I
also communicated with other health experts and doctors that further helped me in
understanding the work culture better. The one-month experience taught me a lot about
the importance of communication and how it can affect the attitude of individuals. I also
realized various psychological aspects of hospitals and how it affects the mental health
and well-being of people.
 What (Description of the event): During my interaction with one of the patients who was
suffering from depression and anxiety at NHS, I realized that there are many people
suffering from this illness and there must exist a solution for this event. The patient told
me that there was complete isolation in the hospital as no one talked to them. The doctors
just came for the routine check up, completed their job and went away which was very
shocking to hear as no one gave time and importance to them. It made me realized that
the problem exists in the hospital itself and it is imperative for me to find a potential
solution for this problem.
 So What (An analysis of the event): Upon analysing the complete situation, I have
analysed that the problem persists within the hospital and it is important to find a solution
for it. Mentally ill and depressed people feel lonely, and they have negative thoughts in
their hand therefore it is imperative for doctors and counsellors to consult with them and
listen to them patiently. Also, I have analysed that the hospital needs to have a games
room or entertainment room where patients can have a fun time as it will bring positivity
in them.

 Now What: I have identified the corrective actions that can help in finding a potential
solution for the problem. The doctors and other experts must talk to patients from time to
time so that they feel positive and happy. Also, the conversation must be deep and the
doctors must listen to the pain of individuals and empathize with them because
communication is the only solution for every problem.
I also communicated with a patient who was suffering from depression and anxiety and I realized
that a ten-minute conversation had a very positive impact on him because he felt confident,
happy and full of life and it made me understand the power of communication. It is important to
communicate with other patients suffering from serious diseases as well because it can give them
a ray of hope to live and also make them feel happy which is very important for them (Zaider,
and et.al., 2017). Therefore, I believe NHS must change its policies and make it more flexible for
the patients so that they feel happy and not depressed. Furthermore, the patients must be allowed
with the access of telephone so that they can contact their family members or friends and
communicate with them. It also helped me in improving my communication skills because I
realized the value of interacting with others and how it can change your perception about things.
Thus, I have decided to become an effective listener and better speaker so that I can improve my
communication skills.
PART B
Reflection
My overall experience and learning at National Healthcare System has helped me in improving
my communication skills significantly and has made me an extrovert person.
While serving in the National Healthcare System, I found out that the ward of mentally
depressed patients was extremely isolated and the communication was minimized where only the
mandatory practices were adopted in the organization (Stonehouse, 2019). Further, the
environment and mood of the entire ward was also extremely mundane and apart from the
routine activities there was no additional fun or engaging activities. I found this very odd
according to what I had learnt about the interventions that need to be provided to the patients
suffering from depression. I began interacting with them and discussed the problems that they
were facing. This helped me in ascertaining the cause of the problem due to which the patients
had become socially inactive and therefore interventions could be adopted accordingly. Further, I
put up colourful posters and various motivational quotes trying to give it a cheery look.

However, while interacting with them, the major thing that I learned was that there were extreme
level of problems that people dealt with and therefore, I became humbled that I was experiencing
and earlier perceived to be the most difficult situations that any individual could face were
actually too simple and non-consequential when compared to their problems. Therefore, this
entire process was an extremely influential experience for me.
CONCLUSION
The research conducted in this report helped in concluding that the Driscoll model of
reflection is an effective manner in the healthcare environment and assists in formulating
appropriate decisions. Further, it was found that the depressed patients must be communicated
with and treated like normal persons rather than diseased ones so that they could recover. Lastly,
appropriate reflection on the learning was done.

REFERENCES
Books and journals
Deslandes, R. and et.al., 2018. Development of a template to facilitate reflection among student
pharmacists. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, 14(11), pp.1058-1063.
Head, B.A. And et.al., Palliative Nursing Summit: Nurses Leading Change and Transforming
Care The Nurse’s Role in Communication and Advance Care Planning. Journal of
Hospice & Palliative Nursing, 20(1), pp.23-29.
Riley, J.B., 2015. Communication in nursing. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Stonehouse, D., 2019. Reflection and you. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 13(4),
pp.182-184.
Zaider, T. and et.al., 2017. Advancing family communication skills in oncology nursing. Oxford
Textbook of Communication in Oncology and Palliative Care, p.181.
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