Interpersonal communication in healthcare is influenced by various components, including verbal, nonverbal, and paraverbal forms

QUESTION

Please response to the discussion below and add value to response. Give an example of what the prior post had described, provide a different perspective of the topic posted, or expand upon the idea posted in the message by including more detail and depth. 200 words with in cite citation. Reference APA not less than 5 years please.  Thanks

According to The Health Care Professional’s Guide to Cultural Competence, interpersonal communication consists of several components, including verbal forms (words, language), nonverbal forms (gestures, posture), and paraverbal forms (tone, rhythm, intonation, verbal flow), that occur in an integrated manner (Srivastava, 2023). Culture affects a great deal of all these components.

The biggest communication problem that I have encountered has been verbal form. Due to the career that we have chosen, we get the opportunity to interact with people that have different cultures and communication. In one of my jobs, there are a lot patients that only speak Vietnamese which makes it very difficult to communicate with them. I try my best to communicate with them by showing flash cards of things that are being asked of them or use google translator. This makes me feel really frustrated because I feel as if I am failing the patient as a nurse. Working a night shift does not provide me with a lot resources that can be used.

An example of someone having difficulty understanding my culture is that we value personal relationships as well as have a strong hierarchy which is usually dominated by men. With all the different movements that are occurring in order to empower women, some women find it hard to understand why as a culture we still have men dominating.

It is important to recognize the need for an interpreter as soon as care begins to be provided. Some key concepts when working with an interpreter is to avoid the use of jargon and acronyms. Clarify unique vocabulary and also provide examples. Never ask the interpreter for his or her opinion (Taylan & Weber, 2022).  They are there to interpret what needs to be communicated.

ANSWER

Interpersonal communication in healthcare is influenced by various components, including verbal, nonverbal, and paraverbal forms. Cultural diversity can significantly impact communication, leading to challenges in understanding and delivering care effectively. The discussion highlights the difficulties faced in verbal communication due to language barriers and cultural differences, particularly when working with patients who speak a different language, like Vietnamese. To overcome this challenge, the nurse has creatively employed visual aids and translation tools like flashcards and Google Translator to enhance communication with the patients.

One perspective to consider in addressing language barriers is the importance of utilizing professional medical interpreters to ensure accurate and effective communication. Taylan and Weber (2022) emphasize the significance of recognizing the need for an interpreter early on in the care process. Using interpreters can help bridge the language gap and avoid misunderstandings that may result from trying to communicate without proper language proficiency.

Another important aspect to consider is cultural competence in healthcare settings. The nurse mentions the cultural value of personal relationships and a strong hierarchy dominated by men in their culture. In today’s globalized and diverse healthcare environment, cultural competence is crucial for nurses to understand and respect the cultural beliefs, norms, and values of their patients. By embracing cultural competence, nurses can build trust with patients and provide patient-centered care that aligns with their cultural preferences.

To enhance communication and cultural competence further, healthcare institutions should invest in ongoing training and education for nurses. This includes workshops on cultural sensitivity, communication skills, and the proper use of interpreters. Additionally, healthcare organizations can develop resources and protocols to facilitate the use of interpreters and other communication tools effectively.

In conclusion, overcoming communication challenges in healthcare requires a multifaceted approach. Utilizing professional interpreters, promoting cultural competence, and providing ongoing training for healthcare professionals are essential strategies to ensure effective communication and patient-centered care in diverse healthcare settings. By recognizing and addressing the impact of culture on communication, nurses can enhance patient outcomes and experiences, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare environment.