Methods of Communication and Challenges Experienced with Surgical Patients - Essay Example

Communication methods during surgery may range from electronic patient-controlled alert devices to hand-holding by nurses (Happ, Roesch & Kagan 2004, p. 2).

Electronic patient-controlled alert devices notify practitioners of meaningful responses from surgical patients during surgical procedures. They detect meaningful responses from patients and alert practitioners about them. Hand holding by nurses is intended to make patients comfortable in order to boost confidence, deal with pain, and reassure the patient about their own safety. Communication between patients and practitioners should be effective so that surgeons can improve surgical outcomes, promote healing, and build trust (Griffen 2007, p. 11).

Some challenges experienced with surgical patients include delivering bad news, discussing informed consent, participating in shared decision making, and patient education. These challenges occur when practitioners do not have proper communication skills, or when they ignore basic communication tenets. These challenges may occur as a result of the condition of patients. They may be addressed by the practitioner by sitting down when talking to patients, understanding the patient as individuals, showing respect and empathy, creating a partnership, listening attentively, calming fears, eliciting concerns, being honest, educating patients on their treatment options, and involving patients (Silverman, Kurtz & Draper 1998, p. 16).