G OALS Students may not realize how important verbal and nonverbal communication behaviors are when dealing with both the child and family unit. This activity can serve as a reminder of proper communication strategies needed while caring for the child and family. O NLINE A PPLICATION • Within a course discussion, have a student or small group find images of effective communication techniques and barriers to communication. Students must explain and defend their findings to the class. The remaining students should agree or disagree with the presenting student, giving a corresponding rationale.. • Students should work in small groups of four to six students and come up with a patient scenario to present to the class. Each scenario should include four effective communication strategies and four barriers to effective communication. The remaining students should discuss each group’s findings. Factors to Consider: Recognizing Family Dynamics That Affect Communication D IRECTIONS • Divide students into groups of four to six students and have them address the questions on the handout found at the end of this document. • Allow 5 to 10 minutes for each group to go through the questions and answers. Then, as a group, discuss how the nurse can assist the family through many of these stressors. that affect communication. • The following are suggested answers.
1. List five stressors experienced by a family while a child is in the hospital.
• Overwhelming concern for the child who is sick • Feelings of neglect of other children or family members
• Loss of work/income • Impact on social status • Insurance concerns/payment • Poverty • Homelessness • Job security • Mental, chronic, physical, or catastrophic illness in the family as a whole • Additional strain on finances or family member’s role • Lack of support systems • Cultural and religious concerns
• Lack of proper coping skills • Inability to return to school
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