The Concept Of Caring, Communication, And Therapeutic Relationship

The three concepts that will be discussed throughout this essay is, caring, communication and therapeutic relationship. These concepts are important for effective patient care because they may help create a healthy relationship between the healthcare provider and patient. Therefore, this essay attempts to describe and explain the three concepts and how they are effective for patient care and how they impact some patients experience whilst in the care of a healthcare provider.

Caring is a basic human characteristic that people display and express. “The concept of caring is used today to increase patient and staff satisfaction and to decrease the patient’s length of stay in hospital” (Adams, 2016, p. 5), as well as creating a healing and nurturing
1.). Adams (2016) describes caring as being there for the patient in whatever way is required, whether that is being there for them to alleviate their illness and help them to recovery. Sadly, it can also be helping them die with dignity, comfort and respecting their needs and beliefs-as well as supporting their family emotionally. Furthermore, nurses are the patients support system and advocates whilst they are unable to care for themselves. Caring is the act of protecting human dignity and upholding their humanity (Jasmine, 2009) it can notably impact patient’s lives and experiences. According to McClendon (2017), caring can create a sense of healing and well-being. The patient is dependent on the nurses
“A therapeutic relationship is defined as ‘one in which the patient feels comfortable being open and honest with the nurse’” (Dart, 2011. p. 16.). It is showing empathy and warmth to help patients feel comfortable and secure (McCabe and Timmons, 2006) *Find article**. Therefore, to develop a therapeutic relationship the nurse must be open, understanding, respectful, trusting, empathetic, and compassionate (Doherty & Thompson, 2014). However, listening, questioning and supporting the patient is also essential. Furthermore, it is vital to remain non-judgmental and to gain trust with the patient to develop a therapeutic relationship for effective patient care (Dart, 2011), or else it may affect how the patient feels about themselves and the patient will not be comfortable to trust the healthcare provider with problems that may arise. Dart (2011) states that forming a therapeutic relationship is vital for the patient, as it may make them feel comfortable to express their thought and concerns about their problems. Consequently, being empathetic and compassionate towards a patient helps patients adjust to circumstances (Doherty & Thompson, 2014) as well as assisting them to feel supported and cared for. Nevertheless, listening and providing appropriate information is important, as it empowers the patient to make informed decisions with the nurse about