Communication Nurses Hub

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Communication

Communication is important in all aspects of nursing, whether with patients, family members, friends, health professionals or colleagues.

Good communication at the end of a patient’s life involves the ability to both give and receive information at a time where emotions and stress can affect even the most experienced clinician.

It is important that patients have the information that they need to enable informed decision making and that clinicians clearly understand patient and family preferences in developing goals of care.

For patients and families, the amount of information required can change with their circumstances. When someone is seriously ill, there will be many things that need to be discussed, some of which will be difficult and emotive.
For health professionals, having as much information from the patient is vital to ensure any plans and decisions are inclusive and that staff are advocating for the patient. Active listening is a skill that is required by nurses to ensure messages are received.

Communication needs to be open and sensitive as well as appropriate to the situation. Unfortunately there is no formula to know what to say or how to say it. Working with, or seeking advice from more experienced colleagues or other members of the multidisciplinary team, such as Social Workers, Bereavement Counsellors and Pastoral Care Workers is one way to learn and watch how others communicate.

Nurses need to effectively communicate to a variety of different people in many different situations, and CareSearch has resources that can help with this.

Resources

Guidelines for a palliative Approach in Residential Aged Care Facilities: Support of and communication with the family
Clayton J, Hancock K, Butow P, Tattersall M, Currow D. Clinical practice guidelines for communicating prognosis and end-of-life issues with adults in the advanced stages of a life-limiting illness, and their caregivers. Med J Aust. 2007 Jun 18;186(12 Suppl):S77, S79, S83-108.
National Breast Cancer Centre and National Cancer Control Initiative. 2003. Clinical practice guidelines for the psychosocial care of adults with cancer. National Breast Cancer Centre, Camperdown, NSW.
The University of Sydney Centre for Medical Psychology & Evidence-based Decision-making has a Questions Prompt list
The Centre for Cultural Diversity in Ageing has information on Communication
End of Life care For All (e-ELCA) is an e-learning resource from the NHS (UK) designed to enhance the training and education of all those involved in delivering end-of-life care. They have a session on communication
The General Medical Council in the UK has produced a guidance for doctors that may be of interest: Treatment and Care Towards the End of Life – Good practice in decision-making
Miller CA. Communication difficulties in hospitalized older adults with dementia. Am J Nurs. 2008 Mar;108(3):58-66.
A UK publication on ‘Supporting a good end of Life’ with tips on communication
End of Life / Palliative Education Resource Centre (EPERC) Fast Facts:
- Responding to patient emotion