Challenges in Therapeutic Communication

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 15 views

Therapeutic Communication of Doctors and Patients after Surgery at the Hospital of the University of North Sumatra in 2019: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

The role of doctors in every operation is multifaceted, extending beyond the pre- and intra-operative periods to the post-surgical recovery phase. However, the implementation of therapeutic communication between doctors and post-surgical patients at the Hospital of the University of North Sumatra (USU) in 2019 has been suboptimal, often resulting in misunderstandings of information. This qualitative research aims to analyze the therapeutic communication process after surgery through in-depth interviews with 2 surgeons, 3 surgeon PPDS doctors, and 5 post-surgical patients.

The Importance of Therapeutic Communication in Post-Surgical Recovery

Therapeutic communication is a crucial aspect of the patient-doctor relationship, particularly in the post-surgical recovery period. Effective communication enables doctors to provide patients with accurate information about their condition, treatment options, and recovery expectations. This, in turn, empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care, adhere to treatment plans, and experience improved satisfaction with healthcare services.

Challenges in Therapeutic Communication

Despite the importance of therapeutic communication, several obstacles hinder its effectiveness. Physical factors, such as the patient's abnormal conditions or the doctor's own physical limitations, can impede communication. Additionally, differences in language and culture can result in misunderstandings, while environmental factors like noise in hospitals can further compromise communication.

In-Depth Analysis of Therapeutic Communication at USU Hospital

This study employed in-depth interviews with 2 surgeons, 3 surgeon PPDS doctors, and 5 post-surgical patients to analyze the therapeutic communication process after surgery. The results revealed that although therapeutic communication was generally effective, there were still some obstacles that inhibited its effectiveness. These obstacles included:

Physical factors: Abnormal conditions of the patient or the doctor, language barriers, and cultural differences.
Environmental factors: Noise in hospitals, which can compromise communication.
Differences in origin: Differences in language and cultural backgrounds between doctors and patients can result in misunderstandings.

Recommendations for Improving Therapeutic Communication

To overcome these obstacles and improve therapeutic communication between doctors and post-surgical patients, several steps can be taken:

1. Improve Doctor's Communication Skills

Through training and workshops, doctors can enhance their ability to communicate effectively with patients.
This includes explaining complex medical information in a clear and concise manner, answering questions patiently, and building empathy relationships with patients.

2. Paying Attention to Cultural and Language Factors

Providing translators or using language that is easily understood by patients from various cultural backgrounds can help increase the effectiveness of communication.
This can be achieved by using simple language, avoiding jargon, and providing written information in multiple languages.

3. Pay Attention to the Environment

Creating a calm and comfortable environment for patients and doctors can support effective communication.
This can be achieved by reducing noise levels in hospitals, providing comfortable seating and amenities, and promoting a peaceful atmosphere.

4. Increasing Awareness

Increasing the awareness of health workers regarding the importance of therapeutic communication in the patient healing process is an essential step to improve the quality of health services.
This can be achieved through education and training programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns.

Conclusion

This research highlights the importance of therapeutic communication in the post-surgical recovery period. By understanding the challenges and obstacles that hinder effective communication, healthcare providers can take steps to improve the quality of care and patient satisfaction. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this study, healthcare providers can enhance therapeutic communication, empower patients to take an active role in their care, and improve health outcomes.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on developing and implementing evidence-based interventions to improve therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery. This can include the development of communication training programs for healthcare providers, the implementation of language access services, and the creation of patient-centered care environments. By prioritizing therapeutic communication, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and promote a culture of patient-centered care.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendices

[Appendices containing additional information, such as interview transcripts and data analysis tables]

Abstract

This qualitative research analyzed the therapeutic communication process after surgery through in-depth interviews with 2 surgeons, 3 surgeon PPDS doctors, and 5 post-surgical patients. The results highlighted the importance of therapeutic communication in the post-surgical recovery period and identified several obstacles that hinder its effectiveness. Recommendations for improving therapeutic communication were provided, including improving doctor's communication skills, paying attention to cultural and language factors, paying attention to the environment, and increasing awareness. This study contributes to the understanding of therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery and provides a framework for improving patient care and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Therapeutic Communication in Post-Surgical Recovery

Q: What is therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery?

A: Therapeutic communication refers to the process of exchanging information, ideas, and feelings between healthcare providers and patients in a way that promotes healing, understanding, and satisfaction. In post-surgical recovery, therapeutic communication is crucial for patients to understand their condition, treatment options, and recovery expectations.

Q: Why is therapeutic communication important in post-surgical recovery?

A: Therapeutic communication is essential in post-surgical recovery because it enables patients to:

Understand their condition and treatment options
Make informed decisions about their care
Adhere to treatment plans
Experience improved satisfaction with healthcare services
Recover more effectively and quickly

Q: What are some common obstacles to therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery?

A: Some common obstacles to therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery include:

Physical factors, such as the patient's abnormal conditions or the doctor's own physical limitations
Environmental factors, such as noise in hospitals
Differences in language and culture between healthcare providers and patients
Differences in origin, such as language and cultural backgrounds

Q: How can healthcare providers improve therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery?

A: Healthcare providers can improve therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery by:

Improving their communication skills through training and workshops
Paying attention to cultural and language factors, such as using simple language and providing written information in multiple languages
Paying attention to the environment, such as reducing noise levels and creating a calm and comfortable atmosphere
Increasing awareness of the importance of therapeutic communication in patient healing and satisfaction

Q: What are some strategies for improving therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery?

A: Some strategies for improving therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery include:

Using clear and concise language
Avoiding jargon and technical terms
Providing written information in multiple languages
Using visual aids, such as diagrams and pictures
Encouraging patients to ask questions and express their concerns
Building empathy relationships with patients

Q: How can patients improve therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery?

A: Patients can improve therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery by:

Asking questions and expressing their concerns
Seeking clarification when they do not understand something
Using simple language and avoiding jargon
Providing feedback to healthcare providers about their communication style
Being open and honest about their feelings and concerns

Q: What are some benefits of improving therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery?

A: Improving therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery can have numerous benefits, including:

Improved patient satisfaction and engagement
Enhanced patient understanding and adherence to treatment plans
Better health outcomes and recovery rates
Reduced anxiety and stress for patients and healthcare providers
Improved relationships between healthcare providers and patients

Q: How can healthcare organizations promote therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery?

A: Healthcare organizations can promote therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery by:

Providing education and training programs for healthcare providers
Implementing language access services and cultural competency training
Creating patient-centered care environments and promoting a culture of patient-centered care
Encouraging patients to ask questions and express their concerns
Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic communication in post-surgical recovery.