Patient Communication Techniques

Guidelines:

• Perioperative RNs advocate for patients/families by providing patient and family-centered care
  • Designed to ensure timely, convenient, well-coordinated engagement of a person’s health and health care needs, preferences, and values
  • Includes explicit and partnered determination of patient goals and care options
  • Requires ongoing assessment of the care match with patient goals

Considerations:

• Age
• Developmental Status
• Cognitive Status
• Education Level
• Language barriers
• Healthcare Literacy
• Level of Engagement

Nurse’s role:

• Pre-op Assessment: Patient/family interview
  • Invite the patient/family’s participation
  • Verify patient with 2 identifiers
  • Patient/family statement of procedure and name of surgeon
  • Partner with patient/family to actively confirm understanding of procedure
  • Patient involved in surgical site marking
  • Open, active listening

Pitfalls:

• Patients retain the right to make their own decisions about their care
  • Respect patient privacy and confidentiality
  • Respect patient’s requests and decisions
  • Honor diversity/cultural choices

Examples:

• Navigating family dynamics while respecting the patient/family’s requests

Linchpins (Key Points):

• Patient Advocacy is a cornerstone of perioperative nursing
• Patient safety is the primary focus of perioperative nursing practice
• Patient/Family Engagement should be prioritized
• Patient privacy and confidentiality should be protected