Communication in Paramedic Practice

1st Edition - July 6, 2023
Author: Gjyn O'Toole
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 7 2 9 5 - 4 4 4 4 - 3
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 7 2 9 5 - 9 8 2 9 - 3

The ability to communicate well is the single most important skill for a paramedic. But, despite an emphasis on communication in paramedicine assessment and standards, there has… Read more

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The ability to communicate well is the single most important skill for a paramedic. But, despite an emphasis on communication in paramedicine assessment and standards, there has never been a resource specifically tailored to the unique environments in which paramedics practise.

This new book fills that gap. Communication in Paramedic Practice is designed as a primer on the importance for paramedics of communicating well, and how to achieve this in real life. It encourages self-reflection on your own communication style, and covers important considerations such as listening, managing distress, being culturally responsive and non-verbal communication.

Written by experts in this field, and full of relevant examples and opportunities to practise, this book will help you communicate comfortably and confidently for better patient outcomes, increased workplace safety and more efficient transfer of information

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
How to use this book
Preface
Acknowledgements
About the Authors
Reviewer
List of Illustrations
List of Tables
SECTION 1. The significance of effective interpersonal communication for the paramedic
1. Effective communication for paramedics: A model to guide communication
Why learn how to communicate? Everyone can communicate!
Factors to consider when defining effective communication
A communication model to guide interactions in paramedic care: Negotiating mutual understanding
Possible factors impacting effective communication
Chapter summary
References
2. The overarching goal of communication for paramedic healthcare professionals: Person-centred effective care
An international World Health Organization (WHO) classification demonstrating the importance of effective communication
A model to guide the overall purpose of communication for all healthcare professions
Mutual understanding
A therapeutic relationship
Family/person-centred care and goals
Chapter summary
References
3. The goal of accommodating all aspects of the ‘Person/s’ for paramedic communication
Who is the Person/s?
Relevant information about the Person/s
Defining the whole ‘Person’
Cognitive aspects of the Person
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
4. The specific goals of communication for paramedics: 1. Introductions and providing information
Making verbal introductions
Providing information: A two-way process
Providing constructive feedback
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
5. The specific goals of communication for paramedics: 2. Questioning, comforting and confronting
Interviewing and questioning to gather information
Comforting: Encouraging versus discouraging
Confronting unhelpful attitudes or beliefs
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
6. The specific goals of communication for paramedic practitioners: 3. Effective conclusions of interactions and services: negotiating closure
The importance of effective conclusions
Features of effective conclusions or closure
Preparing to conclude or finalise
Concluding initial meetings, single face-to-face or telephone interactions
Concluding individual treatment sessions
Concluding provision of healthcare services after a period of care
Concluding services due to a life-limiting illness
Components of effective conclusions
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
SECTION 2. Achieving effective communication by developing awareness within the paramedic
7. Awareness of and the need for reflective practice in paramedics
The ‘what’ of reflection: A definition
The ‘why’ of reflection: Reasons for reflecting
Reflection upon barriers to experiencing, accepting and resolving negative emotions
The ‘how’ of reflection: Models of reflection
The result of reflection: Achieving self-awareness
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
8. Awareness of self to enhance communication for paramedics
Self-awareness: An essential requirement
The benefits of achieving self-awareness
Beginning the journey of self-awareness
Individual values
Is paramedicine an appropriate choice?
Values of a paramedic
Characteristics and abilities that enhance the practice of a paramedic
Conflict between values and needs
Perfectionism as a value
Self-awareness of personal communication skills
Self-awareness of skills for effective listening
Self-awareness of skills for effective speaking
Personality and resultant communicative behaviours
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
9. Awareness of how personal assumptions affect communication
Reasons to avoid stereotypical judgement when communicating
Stereotypical judgements relating to roles
Expectations of a paramedic
Developing attitudes to avoid stereotypical judgement
Overcoming the power imbalance: Ways to demonstrate equality in a relationship
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
10. Awareness of the effects of non-verbal communication for paramedics
The significance of non-verbal communication
The benefits of non-verbal communication
The effects of non-verbal communication
The components of non-verbal communication
Communicating with the Person/s who has limited verbal communication skills
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
11. Awareness of listening to facilitate Person/s-centred communication
Defining effective listening
Requirements of effective listening
Results of effective listening
Benefits of effective listening
Barriers to effective listening
Preparing to listen
Characteristics of effective listening
Disengagement
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
12. Awareness of management of environments affecting communication
The physical environment
The emotional environment
The cultural environment
Environments affecting sexuality
The social environment
The spiritual environment
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
SECTION 3. Managing the realities of communication as a paramedic
13. Holistic communication contributing to holistic paramedic care
Holistic communication
An essential criterion in holistic communication: Respect
Another essential criterion in holistic communication: Empathy
Holistic care
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
14. Managing conflict and distress for the paramedic when communicating
Resolving negative attitudes and emotions towards another
Patterns of relating during conflict
Bullying
Communicating assertively
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
15. Culturally responsive communication in paramedic care
Introduction
Defining culture
Cultural identity affecting culturally responsive communication
Defining culturally responsive communication
Why consider cultural differences?
A model of culturally responsive communication
Managing personal cultural assumptions and expectations
Strategies for achieving culturally responsive communication
Using an interpreter
The culture of each healthcare profession
The culture of disease or ill health
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
16. Communicating with indigenous peoples as a paramedic
Correct use of terms
The four Rs for reconciliation: Remember, reflect, recognise, respond
The complexity of cultural identity
Principles of care for paramedics when working with indigenous peoples
Factors contributing to culturally responsive communication with indigenous peoples
Barriers to culturally responsive or effective communication
Chapter summary
Review questions
Websites and organisations
Further useful resources
References
17. Misunderstandings and communication for the paramedic
Communication that produces misunderstandings
Factors affecting mutual understanding
Causes of misunderstandings
Strategies to avoid misunderstandings
Resolving misunderstandings
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
18. Ethical communication in paramedic care
Respect regardless of differences
Honesty
Clarification of expectations
Consent
Confidentiality
Boundaries
Ethical codes of behaviour and conduct
Chapter summary
Review questions
Further reading
Further useful resources
References
19. Paramedics communicating to ensure interdisciplinary care
The expanding role of the paramedic: An essential reality
Paramedicine organisational requirements
Advocacy
Requirements of interdisciplinary communication or teamwork
The benefits of paramedic involvement in interdisciplinary communication and care
Challenges affecting paramedic inclusion in interdisciplinary communication and care
Handovers
Overcoming challenges relating to paramedic inclusion in interdisciplinary teams
Electronic records: Points to remember
Chapter summary
Review questions
References
20. Telecommunication or telehealth: The seen, but not-in-the-room paramedic
Positive outcomes from using telecommunication
Challenges relating to using telecommunication
Devices, trained personnel and secure internet connection
Requirements for effective communication
Chapter summary
Review questions
Websites for guidelines and/or policies
References
21. Documentation: ‘One-way’ paramedic communication
Documentation: Information recording and provision
Quality, understandable documentation
Documentation requirements in paramedic care
Characteristics of a professional writing style
Report or letter writing: Formatting and content
Points to remember
Chapter summary
Review questions
Useful websites
References
22. Social media or ‘not present in person’ communication and the paramedic
Social networking sites
Cyberbullying
Other factors relating to the use of social media
NETIQUETTE: A mnemonic to guide personal electronic communication
Professional communication using social media
Chapter summary
Review questions
Useful websites
References
SECTION 4. Scenarios to guide communication: opportunities for paramedics to practise communicating effectively with the ‘Person/s’
Introduction
Introduction
One possible session outline – role-plays
23. Person/s experiencing strong negative emotions
Scenario 1: Person/s experiencing extreme distress and sometimes anger
Scenario 2: distress and anger resulting from lack of understanding of the condition
Scenario 3: Person/s behaving aggressively
Scenario 4: Person/s living in a residential facility experiencing a hearing impairment
Scenario 5: Person reluctant to engage in the intervention or be involved in communication
Scenario 6: Person/s experiencing neurogenic or psychological shock
Scenario 7: Person/s experiencing anger from unexpected events resulting in lack of clarity
24. Person/s experiencing particular roles and aspects of life in their circumstances
Scenario 1: An adult becoming a mother
Scenario 2: A child with a life-limiting illness
Scenario 3: An indigenous child with a hearing impairment and possible tachycardia
Scenario 4: A student of a healthcare profession witnessing an attempted suicide
Scenario 5: A refugee who is a victim of street violence
Scenario 6: A fit adult with a possible spinal injury (see Scenario 1 for details relating to communication with an adult)
Scenario 7: A grandparent with their unresponsive grandchild
25. Person/s requesting paramedic assistance perceived as a waste-of-time call
Scenario 1: Elderly person collapsed in a shopping centre
Scenario 2: A person/s experiencing a debilitating headache
Scenario 3: Vomiting ill person calling for assistance
Scenario 4: Person/s with recent total hip replacement (thr) experiencing difficulty sleeping
Scenario 5: An elderly person feeling unwell after recovering from Covid-19
Strategies for communication with a person recovering from Covid-19
Scenario 6: Person experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath (SOB)
26. Person/s experiencing particular conditions
Scenario 1: Person experiencing a cardiac arrest
Scenario 2: Person with a hearing impairment has had a stroke
Scenario 3: Person/s in the final stages of a life-limiting illness
Scenario 4: An indigenous/first nation person with type 2 diabetes
Scenario 5: Person/s experiencing a mental illness – attempted suicide
Scenario 6: Person/s experiencing mental illness – depression
Scenario 7: A person with drug overdose
Scenario 8: Recreational drug usage
References
27. Person/s in particular contexts
Scenario 1: A Person/s who experiences a car accident on a dark country road – an emergency
Scenario 2: A Person/s sustaining fractures from a collision with a car while riding a bicycle
Scenario 3: Seizure on a busy road
Scenario 4: An elderly vietnamese Person at home had a stroke over 12 months ago
Scenario 5: An Italian Person with renal failure who is having regular dialysis
Scenario 6: A Person experiencing homelessness
Scenario 7: A Person/s experiencing shortness of breath (SOB) from anxiety relating to domestic violence/abuse
Scenario 8: Motorbike accident (rider wearing bike club clothing) resulting in a spinal injury
Glossary
Index

Life Sciences

Physical Sciences & Engineering

Social Sciences & Humanities

Health

Communication in Paramedic Practice

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Gjyn O'Toole