Case: Max is a 12-year old suffering from depression.
Clinical depression is one of the least understood health conditions. This lack of knowledge strains communication, resulting in faulty relationships and failed interventions. (Tabangcora, 2017)
Communication Techniques for Individuals with Depression
There are a few communication strategies that nurses can use to utilize effective nursing care when caring for individuals with depression:
1) Acknowledge Patient's Pain
The nurse's first goal in gaining the client's confidence and cooperation is to create an environment of understanding and acceptance. When a client expresses anger, concern, or anxiety, it is critical for the nurse to accept those emotions and encourage the client to express them more.
2) Remain Neutral
If the nurse appreciates and agrees with what the client has just said, the nurse establishes acceptable criteria based on the nurse's values. This may also compel the client to align his sentiments with what the nurse approves of, even if he or she does not feel the same way, thus t he patient may be discouraged from expressing his beliefs, especially if they do not meet the nurse's standards.
3) Silence is Therapeutic
In some cases, silence is more appropriate than the most carefully planned set of words for a response. This slows down the discussion and gives the client time to think about and reflect on what he/she just said. This may cause the nurse to feel stress, but it is beneficial since it allows clients to collect their thoughts.
4) Let The Patient Decide on the Topic of Conversation
Allowing the client to steer the conversation gives the client some freedom, showing that the nurse wants to focus on the client and is interested in what he or she believes is essential for their treatment. When the client begins to speak, it gives the nurse leeway into exploring the client's thoughts.
(Tabangcora, 2017)
Tips for Communicating with Pediatric Patients
Pertaining to Max's case, here are a few tips pediatric nurses can do to communicate with children.
1) Build Relationships
Assists in building trust and improve patient care.
2) Create a Comfortable Environment
Make sure there are books, toys, and even crayons available to use during the assessment. Making the atmosphere comfortable will assist in calming the patient.
3) Get on their Level (Literally)
Standing over your patients may cause them to feel nervous. If they are on the floor, you must kneel to speak to them. Alternatively, have their parents hold them on their laps or on the exam table so that you are all at the same level whether sitting or standing.
4) Ask them what they like to do
Let the patient direct the conversation
5) Let them Help
Pediatric patients are helpers by nature. Let them help you get things ready for the assessment, hold the Band-Aid or listen to your heart first.
(Mills, 2020)
References
Mills, M. (2020, March 5). 5 tips for communicating with pediatric
patients.
NurseChoice. Retrieved from https://www.nursechoice.com/blog/profiles-and-features/5-tips-for-communicating-with-pediatric-patients/
Tabangcora, I. D. (2017, January 19). 5 communication techniques for
individuals with depression. Nurselabs. Retrieved from https://nurseslabs.com/5-communication-techniques-for-individuals-with-depression/
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