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Why you should read this article: • To understand the importance of effective communication when escalating care of the deteriorating patient • To increase your knowledge of how to conduct a systematic assessment of the deteriorating patient • To enhance your ability to effectively convey your concerns about a deteriorating patient using a structured communication tool Evidence suggests that improvements in clinical practice are required to ensure that deteriorating patients are rapidly identified and assessed in a systematic manner. The important step of escalating care involves a detailed handover to the most appropriate colleague so that interventions can be put in place to reverse or optimise the patient's condition. However, multiple issues can hinder this handover process, including a lack of confidence among nurses and suboptimal team dynamics or cultures. Using structured communication tools such as situation, background, assessment, recommendation (SBAR) can assist nurses in delivering a handover that results in the desired outcome. This article explains the steps involved in identifying, assessing and escalating the care of deteriorating patients, and describes the components of an effective handover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to inspire nurses to recognise how human factors affect individual and team performance. Use of a case study and learning derived from a subsequent independent inquiry exposes the dynamics that can affect teamwork and inhibit effective communication with devastating consequences. The contribution of situational awareness and the importance of nurses speaking up when they have concerns are demonstrated as vital components in the delivery of safe patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communication disorders following stroke are common, but have varied presentations. This article explains the range of communication disorders that can occur after stroke. The effect of communication impairment is not always related to its severity and should be considered in terms of its effects on patient relationships and wellbeing, and healthcare delivery. Speech and language therapists have a key role in assessing, planning and delivering interventions for patients with communication impairment following stroke. However, it is vital that all members of the multidisciplinary team have sufficient awareness to recognise potential communication difficulties. It is hoped that with increased knowledge and awareness of communication impairment, healthcare staff can make full use of their skills as effective communicators to overcome any potential barriers to communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a communication framework, devised by the authors, that could be used by healthcare professionals who come into contact with people who have dementia. The framework is based on four key concepts: validation, emotion, reassure and activity (VERA). It describes a stage-by-stage process of communication that guides nurses towards providing compassionate and caring responses. The framework was developed in response to students who said they find it useful to have structured guidance on how to interact with people who have dementia. The VERA framework offers a means of interpreting communication and responding appropriately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nurses want to help patients; it is one of their main roles and a key source of job satisfaction. However, finding the time despite low staffing levels and a heavy workload is a constant challenge. This article provides an overview of solution-focused communication -- an approach valued by an increasing number of nurses because of its brevity and effectiveness in empowering patients to find the solutions that will help them to deal with their health challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staying in hospital, particularly when undergoing surgical treatment, may be emotionally distressing. Patients may have to deal with separation from family and friends, disruption to routine as well as the possibility of an uncertain future. Anxiety may be related to anticipation of painful or life-changing investigations, or the effects of surgery on the individual's future family and social life. Therefore it is important that patients are given appropriate information to reassure them and enable informed decision making. This article outlines the importance of using targeted information to meet the needs of individual patients to reduce pre-operative anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the skills needed for effective communication with people who have dementia. It describes the factors that influence the communication process and the effect this may have on the nurse-patient therapeutic relationship. Cognitive impairment in people with dementia may limit their ability to communicate effectively. This may, in turn, affect the nurse's ability to identify patients' needs. Communication is central to providing good dementia care. The article examines some of the challenges nurses may face when caring for this patient group and suggests some strategies to overcome any barriers, enhance quality of care and improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the sixth article in a nine-part series describing the Principles of Nursing Practice developed by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) in collaboration with patient and service user organisations, the Department of Health, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, nurses and other healthcare professionals. The article discusses Principle E, effective communication, and provides some examples of good practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses how a communication tool can help nurses focus and avoid errors in their practice. Nurses are instructed to avoid any risk of missed or misinterpreted clinical information. They are also advised to adopt structured communication techniques, including the Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation (SBAR) technique.

The article focuses on the importance for nursing students to acquire effective communication skills. Non-verbal communication and active listening is used in delivering nursing care to patients. Some therapists employ the story-telling method, which is a practice art. Furthermore, communication is considered as the key to effective relationships at work and in private lives.