4.13:
Barriers to Effective Communication II
The barriers to effective communication include the following.
Cultural barriers arising from differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. It is critical to be aware of nonverbal cues because what appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers are common among medical professionals as they tend to use jargon, abbreviations, or acronyms which confuse the patient.
For example, the nurse may say, "take a purgative HS," instead of advising the patient in simpler terms to take a laxative at bedtime.
Gender barriers develop due to differences in how different genders interact and are expected to communicate by society. Gender stereotypes or gender biases in which one gender is favored also obstruct communication.
Time constraints become a barrier when nurses do not find enough time to communicate effectively. This can occur where there is an imbalance in the staff-patient ratio or during high-pressure situations such as emergencies.
4.13:
Barriers to Effective Communication II
The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use jargon, acronyms, or acronyms that may be confusing to patients, medical personnel frequently encounter semantic barriers. In addition, patients may not be aware of the medical terminologies and sometimes feel embarrassed to say they have not understood a word or a phrase. It is better to use simpler terms when talking with patients or their family members. For instance, a dentist may suggest a patient get an OPG, and the patient may be confused and unsure of what this indicates. Instead, the doctor can clarify things by advising the patient to take a dental X-ray.
Gender barriers:
Due to disparities in how different genders interact and are expected to communicate by society, gender barriers arise. Communication is also hampered by gender prejudices and assumptions that favor one gender over the other. Each gender has a different communication pattern and usually assumes that the other gender thinks and acts similarly.
Time constraints:
Time becomes a barrier when there is an imbalance in the staff-patient ratio. Nurses may not find enough time to communicate effectively with their patients during emergencies or in a unit where there is a shortage of nursing or assistant staff present.