Link to Age Specific Communication
BARRIERS TO COMMUNICATION
At just about any age there may be barriers to communication that you should look for. Give the person your full attention and observe closely. You may not be able to fully do away with any barriers you find, but you can be aware of them and minimize them. You should assess the patient's primary language and whether communication might be clearer if you brought in a translator. Check for any speech or hearing impairments, and check whether any confusion or depression might be a sign of physical or mental illness. Find out if the patient is under stress or worried if healthcare decisions might affect their schooling, job or family. With children and adults, check if there are any apparent learning disabilities and if the person appears to understand instructions at an age-appropriate level. Be aware of cultural differences and how eye contact and gestures that seem ordinary to you might be misinterpreted. Some people from Asian cultures, for example, are much less comfortable with being touched than those from cultures. Make an effort to understand the patient's family structure and support system, and try to incorporate family caregivers into treatment suggestions. Clear communication with the patient can be the key to providing
age-specific care.
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age-specific care.
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