COMMUNICATION WITH

SPECIAL GROUPS
 NUR/00036/022
 NUR/03012/022
 NUR/00006/022
 NUR/00031/022
 NUR/03005/022
 NUR/00042/022
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH SPECIAL
GROUPS

 Effective communication is the process of exchanging ideas thoughts opinions

knowledge and data so that the message is understood and received with clarity and
purpose
 This is essential if both sender and receiver are to feel satisfied.
 For communication to be effective it has to have the following characteristics;
 Clear
 Concise
 Correct
 Complete
 It is the cornerstone of building strong and meaningful relationships. Tailoring your
communication style to suit the needs of each group is crucial for understanding and
connection.
Benefits of effective communication

 Improved social emotional and mental health

 Deeper existing connections
 New bonds based on trust and transparency
 Better problem solving and conflict resolution skills
BASICS OF IMPROVING COMMUNICATION
SKILLS
 Consider your audience
 Practice active listening
 Make your message as clear as possible
 Use the right medium and podium
Special groups

 These are groups of people with special health needs in health care matters.
 They include;
 School children
 Adolescents
 Pregnant women and infants
 The elderly
 Handicapped
Special groups; children

 Children are considered special in the context of healthcare because of their

unique needs:
1. preventive care
children often require specialized care including vaccinations and regular
check-ups, to ensure healthy development.
2. pediatric specialists
healthcare for children involves specialized pediatricians who
understand the unique medical needs and conditions specific to this age group
3.growth monitoring
healthcare providers closely monitor growth and development
milestones to address any potential concerns early on.
Special groups

4. family centered care

this is to recognize the crucial role of parents and guardians in a childs
wellbeing
5. child friendly environment
healthcare settings for children are designed to be child friendly
reducing anxiety and promoting a positive experience.
2. couples

1. reproductive health
couples often seek healthcare related to reproductive health,including
family planning fertility treatments and prenatal care
2. mental health support
relationship dynamics impact mental health and healthcare providers
may offer counselling or therapy to coupkes
3, sexual health
couples may seek guidance on sexual health issues including
contraception sexually transmitted infections and sexual dysfunction
Cont…

4. fertility services
for couples struggling with infertility health care may involve specialized
fertility treatments and consultations
5.holistic approach
healthcare providers may adopt a holistic approach considering both the
physical and emotional aspects of couples health.
3. adolescents

1. mental health services

adolescents may require specific mental health support to navigate the
challenges of this developmental stage addressing issues like depression and
anxiety
2. preventive education
healthcare for adolescents often includes education on preventive
measures such as sex practices and substance prevention
3. confidentiality concerns
healthcare providers should balance privacy with parental involvement
when appropriate
 4. health education
empowering adolescents with health education helps them make
informed decisions about their well-being from nutrition to exercise habits
5. transition to adult care
as they age so should their care. It should be tailored to meet their
specific needs.it requires a thoughtful approach to ensure continuity and
understanding.
4. The elderly

1. chronic disease management

healthcare for the elderly often involves managing chronic conditions
that become more prevelant with age such as arthritis and diabetes
2. palliative care
elderly individuals might benefit from palliative care to enhance the
quality of life particularly those dealing with terminal illnesses
3. fall prevention
healthcare providers focus on strategies that prevent falls as the elderly
are more succeptible to injuries due to falls
 4.geriatric specialists
specialized geriatricians address unique healthcare needs of the elderly
considering factors such as cognitive decline and multiple chronic
conditions.
5. end of life planning
elderly patients may engage in discussions about end of life preferences
including hospice care
Difficulties in accessing healthcare

The elderly
 Limited Access to Specialized Care: Elderly individuals often require
specialized healthcare services related to age-related conditions. However,
limited availability of geriatric specialists or specialized facilities can hinder
their access to appropriate care.
 Higher Out-of-Pocket Costs: The elderly may face higher out-of-pocket
expenses for healthcare, including medications and treatments. This financial
burden can be significant, especially for those on fixed incomes, leading to
potential delays or avoidance of necessary medical care.
 Ageism: Ageism, or discrimination based on age, can negatively impact the
elderly in healthcare settings. Stereotypes about older individuals may result in
inadequate attention to their health concerns, potentially leading to
misdiagnosis or under treatment.
Continuation….

 Complex Healthcare Systems: Navigating complex healthcare systems can be

challenging for anyone, but it can be particularly daunting for the elderly.
Issues such as understanding insurance, scheduling appointments, and
coordinating multiple aspects of care can create barriers to receiving timely
and comprehensive healthcare.
 Insufficient Focus on Preventive Care: Healthcare systems may not prioritize
preventive care for the elderly as much as acute care. Preventive measures
are crucial for maintaining health and addressing potential issues early, yet
these aspects may be overlooked in favor of reactive approaches.
 Unique Healthcare Needs: Elderly individuals often have unique healthcare
needs related to aging, chronic conditions, and medications. Tailoring
healthcare services to meet these specific requirements can be overlooked,
leading to gaps in care and suboptimal health outcomes.
Adolescents

 Confidentiality Concerns: Adolescents may be reluctant to seek healthcare due

to concerns about confidentiality. In some cases, they may fear that their
health information will be shared with parents or guardians, leading to
potential delays in seeking necessary care.
 Limited Access to Reproductive Health Services: Adolescents may encounter
barriers when accessing reproductive health services, including contraception
and sexual education. Stigma, legal restrictions, or lack of awareness can
contribute to challenges in obtaining comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
 Mental Health Stigmatization: Stigma surrounding mental health issues can
discourage adolescents from seeking help. Mental health concerns, such as
anxiety or depression, may go unaddressed due to the fear of judgment or
societal stigma, impacting overall well-being.
continuation

 Education Gaps in Health Literacy: Adolescents may face gaps in health

literacy, affecting their ability to understand and navigate healthcare
information. Lack of knowledge about preventive measures and health-
promoting behaviors can lead to suboptimal health outcomes.
 Transition to Adult Care: The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare
services can be challenging for adolescents with chronic conditions. The shift
in care settings may result in disruptions, gaps in continuity, and a potential
decrease in healthcare engagement.
 Limited Mental Health Support in Schools: School-based mental health
services may be insufficient, leaving adolescents with inadequate access to
mental health resources. Integrating mental health support within
educational settings can help address some of these challenges.
x

Children

1.Access Barriers: Children may face barriers to accessing healthcare, particularly if they come
from low-income families or underserved communities. Lack of transportation, distance to
healthcare facilities, and financial constraints can limit timely access to medical services.
2.Limited Pediatric Specialists: Availability of pediatric specialists may be limited in certain
regions, making it challenging for children with complex medical conditions to receive specialized
care. This can result in delays in diagnosis and treatment.
3.Communication Challenges: Effective communication with children can be challenging,
especially if they are too young to express their symptoms or concerns. Miscommunication between
healthcare providers and parents/guardians can lead to difficulties in accurately diagnosing and
addressing health issues.
4.Vaccination Disparities: Disparities in vaccination rates may exist due to factors such as
vaccine hesitancy, lack of awareness, or inadequate access to immunization services. This
can contribute to the spread of preventable diseases among children.
5.Childhood Obesity and Nutrition Issues: Childhood obesity and nutrition-related
problems can be linked to unfavorable healthcare provision. Limited access to healthy food
options, lack of nutritional education, and socioeconomic factors may contribute to these
issues.
Improving access to healthcare
Healthcare Access and Delivery:
 Telehealth and Mobile Clinics:
 Implement telehealth services to improve access, especially in remote or underserved areas.
 Use mobile clinics to reach populations with limited transportation options.
 Community Health Centers:
 Strengthen community health centers to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services.
 Health Education:
 Increase health literacy through community-based education programs for individuals and families.
Specialist Availability:
 Training and Recruitment:
 Invest in training programs to increase the number of healthcare professionals, especially
specialists, in underserved areas.
 Telemedicine Consultations:
 Utilize telemedicine for virtual consultations with specialists, reducing the need for physical
presence.
Cont…
Communication and Education:
 Culturally Competent Care:
 Train healthcare providers in cultural competence to enhance communication with
diverse patient populations.
 Pediatric Communication Training:
 Implement specialized training for healthcare providers to communicate effectively
with children and parents.
Vaccination and Preventive Care:
 Public Health Campaigns:
 Conduct public health campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of
vaccinations and preventive care.
 School-Based Health Programs:
 Integrate health education programs into school curricula to promote healthy
behaviors from an early age.
Mental Health Support:
 Integrated Mental Health Services:
 Integrate mental health services into primary care settings to reduce stigma and
improve access.
 School Counseling Programs:
 Enhance mental health support in schools through counseling programs and
awareness campaigns.
Child Abuse and Neglect:
 Training for Healthcare Providers:
 Provide training for healthcare professionals to recognize and respond to signs of
child abuse and neglect.
 Interagency Collaboration:
 Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, social services, and law
enforcement to address child abuse cases comprehensively.
Nutrition and Obesity:
 Nutrition Education:
 Implement nutrition education programs in schools and communities to promote healthy eating
habits.
 Community Gardens and Farmers' Markets:
 Support initiatives that increase access to fresh, healthy foods, such as community gardens and
farmers' markets.
General Strategies:
 Health Policy Reforms:
 Advocate for policy changes that address systemic issues, promote preventive care, and
improve healthcare infrastructure.
 Patient Advocacy:
 Empower patients and their families to advocate for their healthcare needs and rights.
 Research and Innovation:
 Invest in research and innovation to identify new approaches and technologies that enhance
healthcare provision.
COMMUNICATION WITH CHILDREN

 They thrive on clear and simple communication.

Principles of communicating with children

1. Use simple language
 Use age appropriate language tailored to be clear and straightforward in a
manner they can comprehend.
2. Nonverbal communication
 Pay attention to facial expressions and body language
Cont…

3. Active listening
 Actively listen to their thoughts paying attention to what they say and
encouraging them to express themselves
4. Encourage questions
 Encourage open expression and create an atmosphere where they can share
their thoughts ask questions and are answered in age appropriate language
5. Incorporate play
 Incorporate play and creativity to make it enjoyable and comfortable to
express themselves
6. Use stories and visuals
 They often respond well to visuals and stories.
Cont…

7. Set clear expectations

 Communicate rules clearly and in a positive way.
Be consistent.
8. Be patient
 Allow them time to express themselves.
 They may need extra time to find the right words
COMMUNICATING WITH ADOLESCENTS

 Adolescents crave independence and respect.

Principles for communicating with adolescents
1. Open communication channels
 Foster open dialogue by showing interest in their opinions and experiences
2. Be patient
 Be patient and nonjudgmental allowing them space to express themselves
Cont…

3. Utilize technology
 Use tech to connect in ways that resonate with their communication
preferences
4. Discuss decision making
 This helps them feel a sense of control and responsibility
5. Understand their world
 Stay informed about their interests and challenges they may be facing this
shows you are engaged and interested in their world
6. Be a role model
 Modeling healthy communication behavior sets a positive example
Cont…

7.Be clear and direct

 Avoiding vague language clearly expresses boundary and expectations whilst
giving room for discussion
8. Use positive reinforcement
 It fosters motivation and a sense of confidence
9. Respect independence
 Give them space to express their opinions and make decisions
10. Actively listening
 Validate their experiences and show genuine interest in what they say
COMMUNICATING WITH THE ELDERLY

 They faces challenges such as hearing loss and or memory issues.

Principles of communicating with the elderly
1. Speak clearly at a moderate pace
 The rate at which they learn is much slower than that of a younger person.
This also affects information they can commit to memory
2.Allow extra time
 Due to challenges they face in communication they receive less information
when they actually need more.
Cont…

3. Sit face to face

 Some with hearing difficulties reading your lips may be of great importance
 Also, it avoids distractions and stresses importance of what you want to
convey
4. Frequently summarize the most important points
 By asking them to repeat the physician’s instructions and if you conclude they
have not understood, simply repeating might work or rephrasing the
instructions to be shorter and simpler.
5. Write down instructions
 Give instructions in a basic easy to follow format. Writing allows review in a
less stressful environment.
Cont…

6. Stick to one topic at a time

 Information overload can confuse patients
7. Listen
 Avoid unnecessary interruptions. It lowers their esteem making them feel not
valued.
 It may also lead to loss of important information.
8. Show empathy and understanding
 This creates a positive environment for expression.
9. Engage in reminiscing to strengthen the emotional connection
COMMUNICATING WITH COUPLES

 Mostly face challenges with conveying information as the parties involved are
adults who hold strong opinions marred with emotions.
Principles of communicating with couples
 Do not pick sides
 Hear both sides of the story
 Encourage partnership
 Emphasize the progress they are making
Cont…

 Remind each person to focus on what they can do

 Keep emotions calm
 Stay friendly and positive
 Make sure they stay respectful
references

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Therapeutic Nurse-Client

Relationship, Revised 2006
APA Handbook of Interpersonal Communication
by David Ricky Matsumoto; American Psychological Association Staff