Special Communications
Non-English Speaking
All medical facilities should have a way of interpreting to non-English speaking patients. Some facilities have interpreters on duty or on-call.
Other facilities use interpretation phones. With these phones, the patient and the technologist both have receivers. The technologists tells the interpreter what needs to be said to the patient in one phone and the interpreter relays the information to the patient. Even though the patient may have a family member that can interpret, it is important to have a medical professional or certified interpreter. A family member may add or take away information. Also, the patient may not feel comfortable giving all of his/her personal and medical information to a family member. On the other hand, an interpreter, only translates what has been said to the patient and by the patient.
Hearing Impaired
When you're working with a patient with impaired hearing, you can ask the patient how to make the communication better. Each patient can have a different level of hearing and there may be specific things you can do to make it easier for the patient to get the information. Here are some things you can do to make it easier for the patient.
Make sure you're facing the patient when you're talking to him/her, speak clearly and at a slower pace, speak in a lower tone, avoid noisy backgrounds and be patient.
If your patient has a hearing aid, make sure you give all instructions before having your patient remove his/her hearing aid.
Deafness
Many facilities have interpreters for deaf patients which will help you to communicate with them. If you're working with a deaf child, it is important to explain all aspects of the exam to the parents so the parents can assist the child.
Vision Impaired
When working with vision impaired individuals, it is important to find out what assistance the patient may need.
These patients rely on hearing and touch, so some may want to follow the sound of your voice only, while others may want to place a hand on your shoulder or elbow for you to guide them. It is important to have good communication with vision impaired patients.
Impaired Mental Function
When working with patients who have impaired mental function, you should use clear, simple and direct instructions. Take your time with these patients and treat them with respect.
Terminal Patients
It is important to understand that death is part of the cycle of life. Radiologic sciences professionals often deal with the dying process as part of acute death events.
This can be a very emotional event, but we must be able to stay professional.
Society's attitudes toward death and dying have changed to become more open and respectful of the terminal patient's wishes and rights.
Dying patients and their families and loved ones need to work through the grieving process in a natural and individualized timeframe.
Five Stages of Grieving Process
1.Denial and Anger
2.Bargaining
3.Depression
4.Preparatory Depression
5.Acceptance