Health Education in Primary Care

Characteristics of the Sender

The sender is the person who delivers the message to the receiver. To communicate effectively, the sender should develop communication skills, follow the basic principles of effective communication, and demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Speaking skills: Clearly define the purpose of the discussion and identify the topics to be covered.
• Observe the principles of verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Silence can be an effective behavior for conveying meaning in certain situations.
• Be sensitive to the listener's opinions and reactions, and do not continue speaking if the listener appears distressed or uncomfortable.
• Do not stand too close to the person; maintain appropriate personal space.
• Learn to be a good listener while speaking with others.
• Show complete respect for the recipient and recognize the recipient's rights. Do not treat the person merely as a medical case.
• Treat the recipient as a person with dignity, while respecting differences related to age, sex (male/female), marital status,

educational level, and cultural and religious background.

Characteristics of the Receiver:

The receiver is the person who receives the message and interprets it. The following factors should be present in the receiver:

• Psychological and physical readiness, including functioning of the five senses, to receive the message.
• The ability to understand the symbols and meanings contained in the message.
• Proficiency in communication skills.

Methods of Effective Communication:

1- Active Listening:

Active listening means listening carefully and responding to events related to the topic. It involves accurately hearing what is said and understanding its meaning. The nurse should listen attentively to both the content of the patient's message and the manner in which it is delivered, including the feelings expressed, and should avoid interrupting the patient.

Characteristics of a Good Listener:

-        Has a genuine desire to listen and is psychologically and mentally prepared to concentrate.

-        Reflects on the meaning of the message and asks the speaker for clarification when necessary.

-        Observes signs of non-verbal communication.

-        Responds to the message in a manner appropriate to its impact and intended purpose, whether immediately, such as showing joy or sadness or carrying out an instruction, or later, such as following advice or complying with the physician's instructions.

-        Does not interrupt the speaker unless permission is obtained or the speaker has finished.

-        Knows how to help the speaker express thoughts and opinions clearly and release suppressed feelings and emotions.

-        Is flexible and has the ability to persuade and to be persuaded.

2- Asking Open-Ended Questions:

Open-ended questions help obtain information and understand the patient. Nurses should therefore use open-ended questions to encourage patients to speak freely about themselves so that appropriate help can be provided. Questions that can be answered only with yes or no should be avoided whenever possible.

3- Restating:

Restating means that the nurse repeats what the patient has said using the patient's own words. This is used to confirm accurate understanding and demonstrates attentive listening and comprehension.

4- Providing a Response That Reflects the Patient's Feelings:

Through careful observation and active listening, nurses can recognize what the patient may be feeling and respond in a way that reflects those feelings, for example: "You seem confused," or "It appears that you are feeling very angry."

5- Clarification:

During a conversation with a patient, the nurse may realize that some of what was said was not understood. The nurse should then request clarification in a manner that demonstrates genuine concern and a sincere effort to establish mutual understanding with the patient.

6- Summarization:

Summarization involves combining the many ideas discussed during the interview and the feelings expressed into a single concise statement after a topic has been discussed or at the end of the interview. This gives the patient an opportunity to review the information and add anything that may have been overlooked.

7- Providing Information:

The nurse guides the patient and provides the necessary explanation and description in a simple, clear, and accurate manner, using words that the patient can easily understand.

8- Silence:

Silence may be used to help the patient think about what has been said; however, the period of silence should not be so long that the patient becomes anxious or tense.