Why choose Radiologic technology?

rnonomn

chapter_011.ppt

Home >Biology homework help >Why choose Radiologic technology?

Chapter 11

Patient Interactions

Patients’ Needs

Understand that if patients had a choice between a nice restaurant and visiting the x-ray department, they would naturally choose…!
They are in an altered state of awareness
Fear of the unknown is profound
Fear of loss of control

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Human Needs

People strive from a basic level of physiologic needs toward a level of self-actualization.
Each level of needs must be satisfied before an individual proceeds to the next level.
Patients are often at the lower levels of Maslow’s hierarchy.

FIG. 11-1 Maslow’s hierarchy of needs.

Patient Dignity

Deals with a patient’s self-esteem
Patients feel a strong loss of power over their fate
Embarrassing situation that they feel isolates them from others
Loss of privacy and access to loved ones
Feelings of guilt on several fronts

“If there were one aspect of healthcare delivery an organization could work on that would have the greatest impact on patient safety, it would be improving the effectiveness of communication on all levels—written, oral and electronic.””

Richard K. Croteau, MD, Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives for TJC

Communication Is Critical to Success

Communication Process

Message

Receiver

Feedback

Sender

Communication Essentials

Patient care communication must be patient-focused.
Communication needs to be accurate and timely.
Always remember to consider communication and relating with patient’s family and visitors.
As a technologist, communicate within your Scope of Practice.

Verbal Communication

Spoken words
Written words
Voice intonation
Slang and jargon
Organization of sentences
Humor

Nonverbal Communication

Paralanguage
Body Language
Touch
Professional Appearance
Physical Presence
Visual Contact

Touch

FIG. 11-6 Proper palpation is accomplished by using fingertips to provide precise and gentle localization information. A, Proper use of a single fingertip. B, Proper use of several fingers. C, Improper use of the palm.

Points to Consider

Average American reads at the 8th to 9th grade level
44% of people age 65 and older read at about the 5th grade level or lower
48% to 80% of patients age 60 and older have inadequate functional health literacy

Common Patient Types

Seriously Ill and Traumatized Patients
Visually Impaired Patients
Speech- and Hearing-Impaired Patients
Non–English-Speaking Patients
Mentally Impaired Patients
Substance Abusers

Mobile and Surgical
Patient Communication

These unique patient care environments require special patient communication considerations.
Begin by calling the patient’s name, identifying yourself to the patient, and explaining the procedure.

Under no circumstances should the technologist assume that a patient does not comprehend comments that are made within the patient’s range of hearing.

Communication with Patient Family and Friends

Professionally introduce yourself.
Briefly explain the procedure.
Explain why they must leave the immediate area during the exposure.

Age as a Communication Factor

Patient age must be factored into communication techniques.
Age is not a barrier to effective communication.

Age Groups

Infant
Birth to 1 year old
Toddlers
1-3 years old
Preschoolers
3-5 years old
School-aged children
5-10 years old

Adolescents
10-25 years old
Young adults
25-45 years old
Middle-aged adults
45-65 years old
Mature adults
65 years old and older

Pediatric Patients

Come down to their eye level to talk.
Speak softly and less authoritatively.
Set up equipment before the child enters the exam room.
Soften room lighting.
Avoid loud and dramatic equipment movements.
Use gentle touch.
Maintain eye contact.

FIG. 11-7 “To stand tall in pediatrics, you have to get down on your knees.” Entering the child’s environment by squatting to the child’s eye level can begin a rewarding relationship.

Physical Changes of Functional Aging

Slowing psychomotor responses
Slowing of information processing
Decreased visual acuity
Decrease in senses

Respiratory System

Decreased cough reflex
Shallow breathing
Decreased pulmonary capacity
Kyphosis

Musculoskeletal System

Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Decreased muscle strength
Atrophied muscle mass
Fear of fractures

Cardiovascular System

Decreased cardiac efficiency
Orthostatic hypotension
Arteriosclerosis
DVT
General feeling of tiredness

Integumentary System

Loss of skin elasticity
Change of skin texture
Loss of touch sensation
Diminished sensation of heat or cold
Loss of subcutaneous fatty layer

Gastrointestinal System

Loss of appetite
Decreased secretions
Decreased GI motility
Decreased sphincter muscle control

Dealing with Older Patients

Maintain eye contact.
Speak clearly and more slowly.
Speak to them, not away from them.
Keep them warm if needed.
Ask permission to touch.
Demonstrate compassion.
Ask them what makes them more comfortable.
Explain thoroughly and keep them informed.
Treat them with respect and patience.

Terminal Patients

It is important to understand that death is part of the cycle of life.
Radiologic sciences professionals often deal with the dying process as part of acute death events.

Terminal Patients

Society’s attitudes toward death and dying have changed to become more open and respectful of the terminal patient’s wishes and rights.
Dying patients and their families and loved ones need to work through the grieving process in a natural and individualized timeframe.

Patient autonomy is highly valued

Advanced Directives

Living Will

Medical Power of Attorney

Organ Donation

DNR

Five Stages of Grieving Process

Denial and Anger

Bargaining

Depression

Preparatory Depression

Acceptance

Conclusion

Communication skills are essential to good medical imaging.
A good communication process is a closed loop.
Communication strategies need to accommodate the uniqueness of each patient.
Patients enter the health care setting feeling vulnerable and outside their comfort zone.
Medical professionals recognize these feelings and act with compassion and empathy for the patient’s welfare.
Aging and terminal patients present their own set of patient care challenges.