Therapeutic Communication in Clinical Practice

Abstract

Communication with the patient in the process of providing health care is more than speech. It is carried out by applying different methods and strategies. Patient communication in health care is a multifaceted process of interaction between medical professionals and the patient. It is defined as therapeutic communication (TC). It is a holistic approach oriented towards the overall care of the patient. Social interaction takes place through TC, the patient's needs for specific care are determined, problems are controlled and solved, information is sought and given, etc. Therapeutic communication is a type of professional communication. TC is used by medical professionals in their work with patients and their relatives. Effective communication skills of medical professionals stimulate the patient to talk about his problem. They are also used in patient education to improve health outcomes, etc. Showing interest and concern for the patient is a component of the so-called "conversation for the purpose of support". Health care professionals use different approaches when conducting a conversation with the patient - for some, the social side of the conversation is most important, for others – social relationships. The therapeutic conversation builds effective communication with the patient and improves the therapeutic impact. In this way, two essential components are distinguished in TC - emotional and informational.