Unit-I Therapeutic Communication
Unit-I Therapeutic Communication
1. Thinking. The communication process begins with formulating the idea or message. The
nurse identifies what needs to be communicated, such as instructions for a medication
regimen or an update on a patient’s condition. For example, a nurse decides to explain the
importance of taking prescribed antibiotics to a patient recovering from surgery.
2. Encoding. In this step, the nurse translates thoughts into communicable forms, such as
spoken words, written text, or gestures. This involves choosing the right words and
communication methods that the patient will understand. For example, the nurse might use
simple language and supportive gestures to explain the antibiotic regimen to an elderly patient
who may have difficulty understanding complex medical terms.
3. Transmitting. The nurse sends the encoded message through a chosen channel, such as
face-to-face conversation, a written note, or a digital message. The choice of channel depends
on the situation and the patient’s needs. For instance, the nurse might sit down with the
patient and verbally explain the medication instructions while also providing a written handout
for reference.
4. Perceiving. The receiver (patient) perceives the message through their senses,
such as hearing the nurse’s words, reading the written instructions, or observing
the nurse’s gestures. The patient listens to the nurse’s explanation and reads the
provided handout, absorbing the information through auditory and visual
channels.
5. Decoding. The patient interprets the message by processing the received
information to make sense of it. This step involves the patient’s cognitive
abilities and background knowledge. For example, the patient thinks about the
nurse’s instructions and relates them to their own understanding of medication
schedules.
6. Understanding. The final step is when the patient comprehends the intended
message, fully grasping the nurse’s instructions or information. Effective
understanding ensures that the patient knows what is expected and can follow
through appropriately. For instance, the patient understands the necessity of
taking antibiotics at specific times and the importance of completing the course
to prevent infection.
Factors Influencing the Communication Process
• DEVELOPMENT
• GENDER
• VALUES AND PERCEPTIONS
• PERSONAL SPACE
Modes of Communication
• Verbal Communication
• Nonverbal Communication
• Electronic Communication
• Group Communication
VERBAL COMMUNICATION
• Pace and intonation,
• Simplicity,
• Clarity and
• Brevity,
• Timing and relevance,
• Adaptability,
• Credibility,
• Humor
NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
• PERSONAL APPEARANCE
• POSTURE AND GAIT
• FACIAL EXPRESSION
• GESTURES
Therapeutic communication
• Is an interpersonal interaction between the nurse and the client during
which the nurse focuses on the client’s specific needs to promote an
effective exchange of information.
1. Pre-interaction Phase
2. Introductory Phase
3. Working Phase
4. Termination Phase