Communication is a vital skill for nurses, especially when caring for patients with cancer. Cancer patients often face complex and emotional challenges, such as coping with diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and uncertainty. Nurses can improve communication with cancer patients by following some simple strategies that can enhance trust, empathy, and understanding.
Active listening is more than just hearing what the patient says. It involves paying attention to their verbal and non-verbal cues, such as tone, facial expressions, and body language. Active listening also means asking open-ended questions, reflecting back what the patient says, and summarizing the main points. By listening actively, nurses can show respect, interest, and compassion for the patient's concerns and needs.
Listening actively brings about badly needed understanding between caretakers and patients. The last sentence in the above paragraph says all that is needed to say…let’s do this right…to benefit patients, medical care givers and everyone touching our lives and working toward our survival.
Cancer patients may feel overwhelmed by medical jargon, technical terms, and abbreviations. Nurses can improve communication by using clear and simple language that the patient can understand and remember. They can also avoid using vague or ambiguous words, such as "maybe", "soon", or "normal". Instead, they can use concrete and specific words, such as "two weeks", "four cycles", or "common". Nurses can also check the patient's comprehension by asking them to repeat or explain what they have heard.
Cancer patients need honest and accurate information about their diagnosis, prognosis, treatment options, and possible outcomes. Nurses can improve communication by providing this information in a balanced and realistic way, without hiding or exaggerating the facts. They can also acknowledge the uncertainty and limitations of the information, and avoid making false or unrealistic promises. Nurses can also help the patient make informed decisions by presenting the benefits and risks of each option, and respecting the patient's preferences and values.
Cancer patients may experience a range of emotions, such as fear, anger, sadness, or hopelessness. Nurses can improve communication by expressing empathy and support for the patient's feelings and situation. They can also use positive and encouraging words, such as "you are doing well", "you are not alone", or "we are here to help". Nurses can also offer practical and emotional support, such as providing resources, referrals, or counseling, or connecting the patient with other patients or support groups.
Cancer patients often rely on their family and caregivers for support and assistance. Nurses can improve communication by involving the patient's family and caregivers in the care process, with the patient's consent. They can also communicate with them regularly, update them on the patient's condition and progress, and address their questions and concerns. Nurses can also educate them on how to care for the patient at home, and provide them with support and guidance.
Communication is a two-way process that requires constant feedback and improvement. Nurses can improve communication by seeking feedback from the patient, their family, and their colleagues on how they can communicate better. They can also reflect on their own communication skills, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and seek opportunities to learn and improve. Nurses can also use tools and techniques, such as communication models, frameworks, or checklists, to enhance their communication quality and effectiveness.