Question

A 42-year-old woman with stage 4 breast cancer is in the radiology department for a computed tomography (CT) scan. As the radiology technologist responsible for obtaining the scan, describe the techniques you will employ to effectively communicate with her during the process.

Answer 1

Communication plays an important role in the practice of radiography. It is important that radiographers are aware of patients’ physical and emotional needs which could be achieved through effective communication. The diversity of the patient population creates challenges to quality healthcare provision to all segments of the population, without effective communication.

Radiography generally involves communication in disseminating information to the patient by explaining the procedures and other related issues concerning the examination which involves a number of factors including patient interaction to result in quality diagnostic information.

1.Offer a genuine smile

A genuine smile can immediately convey warmth and openness, another smile might communicate arrogance and contempt.To communicate effectively, it’s important that you respect the other person enough to be real with her.

2.Ask the right questions

Open-ended questions are those the other person can’t answer with a simple yes or no. Answers to these questions take longer and provide more detailed information. Should ask according to the mental acceptance.

3.Empathize with others

To empathize, need to be aware of the other’s emotions — most likely from their body language and your own sensitivity to nonverbal cues — and to feel those emotions as if they were your own.

4.Active listening

Effective communicators practice active listening: they attend to everything the other is saying and doing during the conversation. Notice the body language of someone listening carefully. They are turned toward the speaker, looking directly at him or her, and fully engaged in what's being said.

5. Choose words carefully

Use the words carefully, sensitively.

When a conversation starts to get heated, you need something quick and immediate to bring down the emotional intensity. By learning to quickly reduce stress in the moment, you can safely take stock of any strong emotions you’re experiencing, regulate your feelings, and behave appropriately.