Identifying and overcoming barriers

Identifying and overcoming barriers 

In all fields of nursing good planning and communication is essential, and without it encounters fail. However, we have all had instances when a consultation was not as good as it should be, or when misunderstandings led to a poorer outcome. How can we reduce these to a minimum by recognising possible barriers, and developing resources to overcome them?

At the end of this module you will have a better understanding of:

• Common physical hindrances to good consultations, and where to look for more information
• Gaps in nursing skill that reduce the effectiveness of communication, and how to bridge them
• Emotional and situational circumstances for the patient that militate against good communication, and how to limit their impact

This resource, consisting of five assessment questions at intermediate level, tests your understanding of barriers to communication, and ways of overcoming them. Complete the resource, including the further reading and some or all of the suggested activities, to obtain a certificate for one hour of continuing professional development to include in your annual portfolio.

Reading list

Casey A, Wallis A. Effective communication: principle of nursing practice E. Nursing Standard 2011;25(32):35-37

Bach S, Grant A. Communication and Interpersonal Skills for Nurses, 2009

Webb L. Nursing : communication skills in practice, 2011 Oxford , Oxford University Press.

Moulton L. The Naked Consultation, 2007. Oxford, Radcliffe Publishing

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