Introduction
An interpersonal relationship is a social association, connection, or affiliation between two or more people that varies in levels of intimacy, self-disclosure, duration, reciprocity, and power distribution
Definition
Communication is the process of exchanging information, that is, the process of generating and transmitting information between two or more individuals. It also involves the expression of emotions, ideas, and thoughts through verbal and nonverbal signals.
IPR in this context is a relationship with the patient and family based on mutual trust and respect, nurturing of faith and hope, being sensitive to self and others, and assisting with the gratification of the patient’s physical, emotional, and spiritual needs through knowledge and skill.
Types of Interpersonal Relationships
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Family | Bonds between blood relatives or primary caregivers |
| Friendship | Voluntary, non-romantic associations based on shared interests |
| Romantic | Intimate connections involving emotional and/or physical closeness |
| Professional | Work-related ties among colleagues, mentors, or team members |
| Acquaintance | Casual or situational interactions without deep emotional investment |
Benefits of Healthy Interpersonal Relationships
- Enhanced emotional well-being and reduced stress
- Greater resilience and coping capacity
- Improved physical health and healthier lifestyle choices
- Robust support network for personal growth and problem solving
Guidelines for Communication and IPR
Preinteraction Phase
- Assess the patient’s ability to send a clear message.
- Check for barriers in communication including sedation status, restricted ability to speak, doubts, fear, anxiety, hearing or visual difficulties, and pain.
- Assess for the amount of information that may effectively be delivered or received and processed.
- Check for conducive and ambient environment.
- Assess the personal ability to send and receive messages.
- Collect special communication aids such as hearing aids, reading glasses, pencil, paper, sign board, and/or interpreter as per need.
Introduction Phase
- Position yourself at a comfortable chair, make eye contact, and greet the patient.
- Introduce self and state the purpose of your communication.
- Develop a climate of trust, understanding, acceptance, and open communication.
- Establish a therapeutic environment ensuring safety and privacy.
Working Phase
- During this phase, discuss about confidentiality of the information shared by the patient.
- Collect the data in detail, identify the problems and issues, and plan to address them.
- Explore and validate thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Assist the patient to identify his or her problems and communicate, and encourage him or her to socialize.
- Help the patient to find an alternative solution to his or her problem.
- Encourage the patient to use new patterns of behavior and make him or her understand that he or she has a significant role in his or her treatment.
- Use techniques that allow the patient to set the pace.
- Encourage spontaneity and expression of feelings.
- Focus on the patient.
- Request feedback and provide verbal and nonverbal feedback at regular intervals.
- Observe for nonverbal cues indicating boredom, distraction, confusion, and so on.
- Prepare the patient for termination of relationship by reminding him or her of it during the interviews.
- New problems and needs may emerge as the nurse-patient relationship develops and as earlier identified issues are addressed.
- Advocate for the patient to ensure that the patient’s perspectives and priorities are reflected in the plan of care.
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Practice active listening and validate feelings | Interrupt or dismiss the other person’s viewpoint |
| Express needs and concerns clearly | Hold grudges or avoid important conversations |
| Respect personal boundaries and privacy | Overstep limits or pressure for unwanted closeness |
| Invest time and effort in shared activities | Neglect or take the relationship for granted |
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884.
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
Stories are the threads that bind us; through them, we understand each other, grow, and heal.
JOHN NOORD
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