Good communication between the student nurse and the virtual patient is key in delivering a good care plan in the tail end of Shadow Health Simulations. Tina Jones enhances patient communication skills in ways which are going to be discussed in this clinical essay.
Key Strategies to Follow During Shadow Health Simulation.
- Active Listening: When asked questions, Tina Jones responds by providing information that allows you to practice listening and responding therapeutically. For instance, when asked about her prescription medication, she clearly reports that she takes diabetes medication(metformin), uses an inhaler (albuterol) and taking prescription birth control pills(the yaz).
- Open-Ended Questions: Tina’s responses encourage you to ask more questions. This is evident in the case where a follow up question was asked regarding her diabetes medication after responding about her prescription medications.
- Emotional Expression: Tina expresses concerns and feelings, allowing you to practice empathy and emotional support. For instance, responding that the main purpose of her visit was foot pain automatically triggers empathy by saying “sorry for your pain.”
It was also noted that while assessing Tina Jones, communication opportunities may arise and a proper response is arrived at by considering the following practices:
- Using clear and therapeutic language: It is always encouraged to use empathy when responding to Tina’s concerns and asking follow-up-questions to clarify her symptoms and health history. For instance, when asked about duration of wound, she responds by saying the wound is healing slowly. To ensure she gets clarity regarding her condition, it is important to explain to her that her diabetic condition is the cause.
- Patient Education: Always provide guidance on relevant details for instance when she responds by saying she stopped taking her diabetes medication due to the side effects experienced, it is important to educate her of the need to stick on the prescription given or change medication. It is also prudent to advise her to take yogurt to prevent the feeling of gassing which comes as a side effect of taking metformin.
Conclusion.
By engaging with Tina Jones during the Shadow Health Simulation, the student nurse improves on their communication skills as well as enhancing on patient engagement and as a result, better patient outcome is achieved.
