Environmental considerations The environment of the patient is another important consider- ation that can affect communications. A new or rapidly changing environment may be comfortable for the healthcare professional, but it is not for the patient and family. A healthcare environment can be considered scary or friendly to a patient, depending on their perception. Noise, lights, distractions, and even temperature can negatively impact communications (Maryniak, 2019). Healthcare Consideration: Potential limitations to learning should be identified prior to teaching. Strategies that involve considerations to address these limitations must be utilized so that teaching can be as effective as possible. However, it may not be realistic to overcome all factors that can create limita- tions to learning. Communication barriers Multiple factors can determine whether communication is suc- cessful. The barriers and limitations discussed above affect commu- nication, and there are other considerations as well. One of the most frequently seen communication barriers in healthcare is that of a dif- ference in primary or native language. Many communication materi- als and explanations are in English. However, many patients have limited English proficiency. Even patients who understand English may learn best in another language. It is important to ask patients what their preferred language is for learning (Schouten et al., 2020; Sethi & Rani, 2017). How the person who is teaching communicates can also create communication barriers. In addition, there are differences in lin- guistics within the communication itself, which can be a barrier Cultural considerations The use of the patient’s preferred language for learning, as men- tioned earlier, is vital to effective teaching. Even if communication is given through the language that the patient best understands, if cultural considerations are not addressed then communication may still be impaired. Understanding and respect for cultural and ethnic differences are also important, as communication can be affected by subtle dissimilarities in expression. The way the healthcare professional communicates and who the person com- municates with are also important cultural considerations. The cul- tural competency of the healthcare professional can determine if communication is effective (Schouten et al., 2020). For cultural considerations, ethnic background is only one factor. Religious beliefs of patients are also part of their background and Learning styles Each person learns differently, and the most successful learning occurs when the individual’s learning style is taken into consid- eration. It is important for the healthcare professional to identify their own learning style as well, and what they will need to do to adapt to the learning styles of others. Learning styles include Developmental level Another important consideration is the developmental level of the patient. Teaching will be provided to parents and caregivers of patients who are infants, toddlers, and preschool children un- der the age of six, as they are unable to fully comprehend health- care education (Bastable, 2021; Maryniak, 2019). School-age children are between 6 and 12 years old. They can participate in patient teaching, although it is primarily provided to parents and caregivers. Use of correct terminology is encouraged for this age group, and they should be encouraged to touch any equipment that may be used in their care. The child’s attention span will be shorter than that of an adult (Bastable, 2021; Maryn- iak, 2019). Adolescents are between the ages of 12 and 18 years. Teach- ing can be done with the adolescent separate from the parents or caregivers, but generally includes both. Medical procedures
Self-Assessment Quiz Question #4 Which of the following statements is true regarding patient limi- tations? a. Pain may affect someone’s ability to learn. b. A person’s self-confidence does not limit learning. c. All factors that can limit learning can be overcome. d. Limited mobility can affect comprehension.
if the learner does not understand. The style and speed in which people communicate can vary. Tone and syntax (structure and grammar) can also affect communication. Semantics (word mean- ing) and pragmatics (context) can impair communication. Also within healthcare communications are colloquialisms (use of jar- gon) and lexis (similar sounding words), which can create ineffec- tive communication (Guttman et al., 2021). Nonverbal behaviors can negatively affect communications. An example is if a patient feels a healthcare professional is too busy, rushed, or impatient. And rapport between the healthcare professional and the patient will also determine if communication is effective (Maryniak, 2019; Sethi & Rani, 2017). culture. Patients who are members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community also have a culture which needs to be respected (Bass & Nagy, 2022; Schouten et al., 2020). More information on cultural competency will be discussed in Chapter 3. Self-Assessment Quiz Question #5 Which of the following statements is true regarding communi- cation barriers? a. Communication is the same in every culture. b. A patient’s preferred language should be used. c. Nonverbal behaviors do not affect communication. d. Linguistics have a minimal impact on communication. auditory (through listening), visual (by seeing), and tactile (through touching and doing). People may have one primary learning style or a combination that helps them learn best (Maryniak, 2019). As- sessments and strategies for different learning styles will be dis- cussed further in Chapter 3. should be explained. Adolescents have the cognitive ability to understand and retain information. Respect along with encourag- ing questions and verbalization of fears are important (Bastable, 2021; Maryniak, 2019). Young adults are between 18 and 44 years old, while middle adults are 45 to 64 years old. Families should be included in pa- tient teaching based on the patient’s wishes. All medical proce- dures should be explained (Bastable, 2021; Maryniak, 2019). Older adults are those ages 65 and older. Families should be included if the patient desires, and any caregivers should also participate in patient education. The pace of teaching should be slower and brief, with limited distractions. Sensory considerations are also important (Bastable, 2021; Maryniak, 2019).
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