Healthcare programs often involve complex topics and conversations that leave clients feeling vulnerable. Clients and their families may struggle to communicate their needs effectively. Studies have shown that “[g]iven the shift in healthcare to a more patient-centered approach and the positive association between high-quality communication with a healthcare provider and improved patient outcomes, it is essential to acknowledge and assess factors that generate dissonance between the patient and the clinician.” The compassionate staff at Driftwood Recovery helps clients and their families navigate difficult conversations by providing education and support.
Language Matters When Discussing Complex or Delicate Topics
The language health providers use impacts their relationship with clients and families. Staff at programs for mental health and substance abuse must take special care not to stigmatize or disempower clients. Language humanizes or dehumanizes people depending on the word choices made. According to The BMJ, “[S]pecific word choices and phrases affect how patients view their health and illness, reflect healthcare workers’ perceptions of their patients, and influence medical care and treatments offered.” In addition, “Language in medical narratives also shapes how trainees think, talk, and act, perpetuating any ingrained biases.”
Some of the language healthcare workers should avoid in a professional setting include:
- Stigmatizing terms (e.g., “junkie,” “addict,” etc.)
- Blaming language (e.g., “you need to do better”)
- Minimizing statements (e.g., “it’s not that bad”)
- Overly clinical jargon that may confuse clients
- Insensitive humor
- Dismissive language (e.g., “you’re just not trying hard enough”)
Creating a healthy client-clinician relationship requires healthcare professionals to tailor their responses and word choices to each client. By taking the time to get to know clients on a human level and finding a positive way to connect, healthcare workers improve the treatment experience. Clients and their families are more likely to adhere to treatment guidelines and express concerns if they feel comfortable with their care team. Healthcare workers have an easier time treating clients who feel secure and confident in the treatment process.
How Can Healthcare Professionals Navigate Difficult Conversations?
Some medical cases involve discussions about topics that may cause clients to feel fear, uncertainty, or embarrassment. Clients may react defensively or challenge their care team if they do not agree with or fully understand the information provided. Individuals in healthcare reduce stress on themselves by reassuring clients. Clinicians educate, empower, and support clients during these conversations, building a deeper connection.
Healthcare professionals navigate difficult conversations with clients by doing the following:
- Practicing active listening
- Using empathy and validation
- Remaining nonjudgmental
- Setting clear professional boundaries
- Adapting communication styles to the client
- Providing information and context to clients
- Encouraging collaborative problem-solving
- Remaining calm and composed
Healthcare professionals may also use supervision or peer support to ensure clients and their families receive the best care. A mediator or outside support may help some clients feel more comfortable during these difficult conversations.
Healthcare Workers Must Know How to Navigate Difficult Conversations at Every Stage of Treatment
Every stage of treatment comes with unique challenges, and it is impossible to accurately predict how each client will react to various setbacks or unexpected situations. Healthcare professionals can help clients experience a smooth transition between multiple levels of care and stages of healing by ensuring they know what to expect and how to manage their condition. Maintaining an open line of communication with clients and families significantly reduces the risk of adverse outcomes.
Communication Between Team Members Ensures Consistency
Staff at Driftwood Recovery strengthen interpersonal skills and communication by frequently checking in with team members. Clients receive more consistent treatment, and staff report less workplace pressure if they communicate effectively with coworkers.
Consistency in communication benefits clients and healthcare providers by doing the following:
- Building trust and credibility with clients and their families
- Making treatment more predictable to reduce client anxiety
- Reducing miscommunication and confusion about treatment expectations
- Supporting emotional stability and helping clients process complex topics
- Making challenging conversations feel less abrupt and overwhelming for clients
Consistency between stages of treatment reduces the risk of relapse and promotes resilience. Clients are more likely to have favorable outcomes if they communicate frequently and effectively with the care team about challenging topics.
How Does Driftwood Recovery Instruct Staff to Navigate Difficult Conversations?
Staff at Driftwood Recovery practice compassion, integrity, and transparency during conversations with clients and families. Clinicians understand that some discussions may become emotionally distressing, making it difficult for clients or their loved ones to remain objective. Maintaining a calm demeanor and communicating without judgment allows healthcare professionals to carefully guide the conversation. Individuals in healthcare use specific strategies to discuss complex topics with clients, ensuring clarity and empathy.
Some effective strategies and techniques professionals use include:
- Active listening to validate client concerns and ensure a thoughtful response
- Using simple and straightforward language to avoid miscommunication or confusion
- Setting the right tone by speaking calmly and clearly
- Regulating personal emotions to remain composed
- Acknowledging and validating the client’s feelings and concerns
- Framing conversations in a positive way
- Providing reassurance to the client without offering false hope
- Giving clients time to process information
- Empowering clients by offering choices whenever possible
- Following up to address any lingering questions or concerns
Staff at Driftwood Recovery work together to support clients and ensure each member of the care team feels comfortable navigating challenging conversations.
Healthcare professionals must navigate many difficult and complex conversations with clients and families. Taking the time to make a deeper connection with clients allows clinicians to tailor conversations to the expectations and goals of each individual. Discussing complex topics requires healthcare workers to practice compassion and professionalism. Driftwood Recovery ensures staff members have the training and education necessary to have productive conversations with clients about challenging subjects. Experts adapt their language and conversation styles to the needs and preferences of each client. Developing effective communication skills allows healthcare professionals to educate clients and put them at ease. To learn more about how our professionals communicate with clients, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.