Active Listening

Introduction

Therapeutic and effective communication is one of the principles of patient-centred and patient-directed care. Through therapeutic and effective  communication, a patient can; be reassured; be put at easiness; be handled seriously; comprehend their sickness more fully; express their fears and concerns; feel empowered; be motivated to track a medication regimen; express a need to have cure (or not); and treated with respect. Effective therapeutic communication is, therefore, more than delivering quality, patient-centred care. It is the vehicle through which patients’ involvement is optimised.  Patient-centred and patient-directed care is basically providing care which is responsive and respectful based on each patient’s preference, values and need and making sure the patient is satisfied with the care. Therapeutic communication is one of the cares given to the patients and it is based on active listening and its fundamental elements

When setting the stage for therapeutic communication, the nurse should establish the appropriate time and place in order to introduce him or herself and clarify the purpose of the interaction. Setting the stage in this way allows the nurse and the patient to begin the interaction process on an equal footing with each of them knows who the other is, and for how long they will be there. A judgmental approach will affect the nurse interaction with the client. It is, therefore, important for the nurse to become aware of his or her prejudices and approach the interaction with the perspective of acceptance (Stein-Parbury, 2009, p. 42). In therapeutic communication, active listening is an important communication. Active listening is defined as the method of listening where the nurse reflects back their understanding of what the patient is saying to them.