Interpersonal Communication Skills Module 2-A

Interpersonal Relationships and Communication Skills in Surgical Technology

Terms and Definitions

• Behavior: Actions influenced by environmental factors and individual choice.
• Chronic: Long-lasting or persistent conditions.
• Cliché: Overused expressions that often lack originality.
• Communication: Exchange of information through verbal or nonverbal means.
• Confidentiality: Respecting private information; crucial in healthcare.
• Conflict: Disagreement arising from differing views or interests.
• Conflict Management: Strategies to resolve disagreements constructively.
• Ethical: Adherence to moral principles in professional conduct.
• Hierarchy: System of organization ranking individuals based on authority.
• Peer: An individual belonging to the same social group.
• Protocol: Established guidelines for conducting activities.
• Self-esteem: One's belief in their worth or value.
• Self-image: Personal perception of oneself, shaped by attitudes and beliefs.
• Therapeutic Communication: Interaction aimed at improving patient well-being.

Types of Relationships

• Social Relationships: Non-goal directed, casual or intimate interactions between peers.
• Professional Relationships: Structured, goal-directed interactions among colleagues, guided by ethical codes and institutional policies.
• Therapeutic Relationships: Focused on patient care, emphasizing respect for trust and confidentiality.

Factors Needed for Good Relationships

• Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Defines common human needs.
  • Physiological: Basic necessities like food, water, and rest.
  • Security: Emotional and physical safety.
  • Social: Needs for affection, acceptance, intimacy, and friendship.
  • Ego: Desire for recognition, status, and increased self-esteem.
  • Self-actualization: Achieving personal potential and fulfillment.

Stress in the Operating Room (OR)

• Common Stressors: Surgical environment, team dynamics, emergency situations, unfamiliar procedures, equipment failure, and ethical dilemmas.
• Physical Reactions to Stress: High blood pressure, headaches, appetite changes, weakened immunity, potential heart failure.
• Coping Strategies: Exercise, deep breathing, relaxation techniques, adequate sleep, humor, healthy eating, addressing conflicts.

Psychosocial Stress in Patients

• Patient Responses: Can lead to resentment, anxiety, and changes in behavior.
• Children's Stress: Acute due to fear of the surgical process and separation anxiety.
• Elderly Needs: Require extra care and patience to alleviate stress.

Goals of Communication

• To provide information, express feelings, solve problems, promote patient safety, and prevent errors in the OR.

Effective Communication Techniques

• Components: Sender, message, receiver, and feedback.
• Listening Skills: Active engagement by deferring judgment, focusing on the entire message, and avoiding distractions.
• Speaking Skills: Clarity in oral and written communication, using correct terminology.

Importance of Therapeutic Communication

• Essential for patient comfort and understanding; facilitates patient expression of needs.
• Techniques include open-ended questions, acknowledgment of feelings, and clarifying misunderstandings.

Blocks to Therapeutic Communication

• Ineffective Practices: Use of clichés, giving unsolicited advice, belittling feelings, and changing subjects can hinder communication effectiveness.

Conflict Management in the Workplace

• Normal Part of Work Environment: Conflict arises from differing opinions and perspectives.
• Addressing Conflict: Should be done in a supportive setting, allowing open expression of viewpoints to reach mutual understanding.
• Healthy Conflict: Can lead to learning opportunities and improved team dynamics; unresolved conflict can harm morale and productivity.
• Disruptive Behaviors: Includes verbal abuse, bullying, and actions leading to a hostile work environment.

Peer Definition

• A peer is an individual who belongs to the same group or cohort within society, primarily sharing common characteristics or status.