Describe ways the medical assistant can help overcome barriers to communication visual impairment

Upgrade to remove ads

Only ₩37,125/year

  • Flashcards

  • Learn

  • Test

  • Match

  • Flashcards

  • Learn

  • Test

  • Match

Terms in this set (62)

Detrimental

Harmful

Integrity

Adhering to ethical standards or right conduct standards.

Come together when discussing professionalism

Courtesy, respect, and dignity

Diversity

Describes the differences and similarities in identity, perspective, and points of view among people.

Diversity- Nationality

Pertains to the country where the person was born and holds citizenship.

Example: John was born in Mexico and moved to the United States. He became a U.S. citizen.

Diversity- Race

A group of people that has the same physical characteristics (e.g., skin color).

Example: Even though John was born in Mexico, his mother is Mongolian (Japanese descent) and his father is Caucasian.

Diversity- Cultural

General customs, norms, values, and beliefs held by a group of people.

Example: John has adapted to the U.S. culture. He likes to be on time for appointments. Even though he grew up in a large family (six children), he is comfortable with having two or three children.

Diversity- Ethnic

A group of people who share a common ancestry, culture, religion, traditions, nationality, language, etc.

Example: John states he is Mexican. Growing up he learned his family's Mexican traditions. He plans to share these with his children someday. He values his family and respects his grandparents and parents.

Diversity- Social

All the ways a person is different from others (e.g., lifestyle, religion, tastes, and preferences).

Example: John does not drink alcohol or smoke. He exercises in the gym each day. He likes to visit art museums and learn about history.

It is not appropriate for the medical assistant to:

• Share personal issues, struggles, life stories, or other personal intimate information
• Contact the patient outside of the work environment
• Befriend the patient on social media
• Engage in a flirty or romantic relationship with the patient.
• Gossip and share what happens in the workplace with patients and others.

Unprofessional Dress Code for Medical Assistants
Uniform: scrubs and white shoes

• Dirty, wrinkled, ripped scrubs
• Scrub pants dragging on the floor
• Scruffy, dirty shoes
• Open shoes (sandals), fabric shoes

Unprofessional Dress Code for Medical Assistants
Hair

• Unnatural colors; dirty, messy hair
• Hair in face or hanging down

Unprofessional Dress Code for Medical Assistants
Fingernails

• Long, polished, artificial nails

Unprofessional Dress Code for Medical Assistants
Cosmetics and body odors

• Over use of makeup
• Wearing perfume, cologne, etc.
• Smelling like a cigarette
• Body odor (from not bathing)

Unprofessional Dress Code for Medical Assistants
Jewelry

• Rings with stones
• Multiple earrings on each ear
• Necklaces, bracelets
• Lanyards

Professional Dress Code for Medical Assistants
Jewelry

• Wedding band (no stones)
• One pair of earrings (studs)
• Watch

Being a credentialed medical assistant has certain benefits:

• Credentialed medical assistants have had to pass a national standardized exam. Passing the exam indicates that they have the knowledge to perform the medical assistant's duties.
• Some employers require the credential prior to hiring or within a few months after hiring.
• Some employers will pay more if a person has achieved a medical assistant credential.

American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)

Certified Medical Assistant

Recertify every 5 years either by exam or by earning 60 continuing education points. Specific points must be achieved in the three content areas. At least 30 points must be from AAMA-approved continuing education units (CEUs).

American Medical Technologist (AMT)

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Recertify every 3 years either by exam or by completing specific activities.

Unacceptable, Unprofessional Phone calls/text messages

• Frequent checking for calls received
• Making personal calls
• Have phone out and visible when working with patients
• Taking pictures

Unacceptable, Unprofessional Personal emails and social media

• Sending and reading personal emails
• Viewing social media postings

Unacceptable, Unprofessional Online

• Shopping, gaming, non work websites

Nonverbal communication

Includes body language and expressive behaviors.

Intimate or personal Space

0-1.5 feet

Used with close family and friends; intimacy, hugs

Used for procedures, personal care; electrocardiograms (ECGs), wound care, vital signs

Verbal communication

Defined as words used either orally or in written form.

Casual person

1.5-4 feet

Used with conversations with friends, minimal touching

Used when talking with patients (e.g., history taking)

Sender creates the MESSAGE:

The person with a message is called the sender. The sender must organize his or her thoughts and communicate a clear, concise, easy to understand message.

Receiver DECODES the message:

The person getting the message is the receiver. This person must decode or translate the message based on personal factors and subjective perceptions. If the message was correctly translated within the context of the message sent, then it matches the message the sender sent. If the message was incorrectly translated, then the receiver develops a different perception of the message than what the sender intended.

Receiver creates FEEDBACK:

The receiver then provides feedback based on the perceived message.

Sender DECODES feedback:

The sender gets the feedback message. Again, the feedback must be decoded correctly for the communication to be accurate

Aggressive Communication Style

Low voice; big, sharp, and fast gestures. Glare and frown. Invade others' personal space intentionally.

Assertive Communication Style

Medium pitch, speed, and volume of voice; good eye contact. Open posture and respectful of others.

Passive Communication Style

Soft voice, head down, fidgets, no eye contact. "Victim mentality."

Active Listening

The most important therapeutic communication technique. This skill takes time to master. Active listening means we fully concentrate on what is being said and how it is said. This is different from passively hearing what the speaker is saying and being distracted by our own thoughts.
When a person is actively listening, the speaker can easily see it.

Characteristics of a Good Listener

• Remain nonjudgmental and neutral.
• Refrain from interrupting with a comment or question.
• Allow for periods of silence.
• Smile and nod your head to show you are listening to the message.
• Use appropriate eye contact so the speaker is not intimidated.
• Lean slightly forward or sideways toward the speaker.
• Avoid distractions (e.g., fidgeting, looking at the clock, doodling).

Environmental distractions

Patient Barriers: Noise, lack of privacy, temperature

Ways to Overcome Barriers: Provide privacy for patients. Talk with patients in a quiet room with the door closed. Make sure the room temperature is comfortable.

Clarification Therapeutic Communication Technique

Allows the listener to get additional information.

Feedback to Speaker: Using statements such as, "Can you clarify..." and "Do you mean..."

Internal distractions

Patient Barriers: Hunger, pain, anger, tiredness

Ways to Overcome Barriers: Help make the patient comfortable. Provide food and drink if available. Administer pain medications as ordered.

Reflection Therapeutic Communication Technique

Putting words to the person's emotional reaction, which acknowledges the person's feelings. Also helps to check what the person is feeling instead of just assuming. Shows empathy and helps build rapport.

Feedback to Speaker: Reflect what you think was said. For example: "It sounds like you are feeling scared..." or "I understand you are having trouble with..." or "You feel that..."

Visually impaired

Patient Barriers: Unable to see written communication

Ways to Overcome Barriers: Use audio recordings, screen magnifiers, large-print materials, and screen reader software.

Hearing impaired

Patient Barriers: Unable to hear verbal communication

Ways to Overcome Barriers: Use print materials and written instructions. Use videos with captions. Have text telephones (TTYs) available. Use a sign language interpreter.

Illiterate

Patient Barriers: Unable to read or write

Ways to Overcome Barriers: Use pictures and models. Draw pictures and using simple language.

Intellectual disability

Patient Barriers: Unable to understand what is being said; may be functioning at a lower age level

Ways to Overcome Barriers: Use "functioning age"-appropriate language and materials. Provide information also to the guardian/caregiver.

Non-English speaking

Patient Barriers: English is not the patient's primary language; lack of understanding of medical terminology

Ways to Overcome Barriers: Use translators and translated materials. Limit medical terminology and define medical terms that must be used. Use culturally appropriate materials and visuals (pictures, graphs, and models).

Emotional distractions

Patient Barriers: Fear and anxiety related to being judged by the healthcare professional; inability to explain personal feelings; angry or distraught patients may not hear what is said or may not be able to communicate effectively.

Ways to Overcome Barriers: Provide a warm, caring environment. Make sure your body language (nonverbal behaviors) is consistent with an open, caring manner. Gain the person's trust. Keep voice at normal level; raising voice can increase the person's anger.

Initiative versus Guilt
age range: 3-6 years (preschool)

Goals of Stage:
Encouraged to try new activities. Must assume responsibilities and learn new skills. Will make child feel purposeful and increase self-esteem.

Communication Tips:
Use short, simple sentences. Encourage questions. Use imitation, play, and role-playing.

Identity versus Role Confusion
age range: 12-18 years (adolescence)

Goals of Stage:
To know who you are as a person and how you fit into the world around you. Creates a meaningful self-image.

Communication Tips:
Provide privacy and independence. Encourage responsible decision making. Encourage discussion and questions.

Denial ( First Stage of grief and Dying)

Refuses to accept the fact (e.g., diagnosis or prognosis). Defense mechanism that allows the person to ignore what is happening.

Anger (Second stage of grief and dying)

Can be directed at self or others.

Bargaining (Third Stage of grief and dying)

Attempts to bargain with the higher power the person believes in (e.g., God).

Depression (Fourth stage of grief and dying)

Feels sad, fearful, and uncertain. May not participate in normal activities. Distances self from others.

Acceptance (Fifth stage of grief and dying)

Has come to terms with situation.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

In 1943 psychologist Abraham Maslow proposed the hierarchy of needs. This is a motivational theory that depicts five levels of needs. Years later, he expanded the theory to include eight levels of needs. Maslow believed that our human needs can be categorized into these eight levels. Each level must be satisfied before we can move up to the next level. These levels are often depicted as a triangle.

The "Deficiency" needs consist of the four bottom levels.

They are considered the coping behaviors. We must fulfill these needs to cope with life and survival. We all have similar needs, but when they are not met, it motivates us to get them met. Fulfillment of these needs leads to instant short-term gratification. For example, when we are thirsty, we find water to drink. We are satisfied for the moment but will be thirsty a short time later.

The "Growth" needs consist of the four top levels

These levels relate to making ourselves a better person or being all that we can be. Achieving these levels brings long-lasting happiness. The happiness is more meaningful than the gratification achieved from meeting the lower level needs.

Defense mechanisms

Are unconscious mental processes that protect people from anxiety, loss, conflict, or shame. We use defense mechanisms and so do our patients and peers. People use defense mechanisms to protect themselves from situations or information they cannot manage psychologically. Defense mechanisms may hide a variety of thoughts or feelings, including anger, fear, sadness, despair, and helplessness.

Denial Defense Mechanisms

The person completely rejects the information.

"I couldn't possibly have breast cancer. You must be mistaken."

Repression Defense Mechanisms

The person simply forgets something that is bad or hurtful.

"I wasn't driving the car that killed my best friend."

Regression Defense Mechanisms

The person reverts to an old, usually immature behavior to express her feelings.

Perhaps instead of discussing the diagnosis and the need for treatment, she just storms out of the room and slams the door shut.

Displacement Defense Mechanisms

The person transfers the emotion toward one person to another person or thing.

After being reprimanded by her supervisor, the person goes home and screams at her children.

Projection Defense Mechanisms

The person accuses someone else of having the feelings that he or she has.

A patient is angry about the diagnosis. She may say, "You don't have to lose your temper about this," even though the medical assistant's demeanor is completely professional.

Adaptive Coping Mechanisms

• Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
• Exercise
• Drink water
• Get plenty of sleep
• Take breaks when you feel stressed
• Talk and share with others
• Get help when you need it

Sets with similar terms

Human Relations

55 terms

shelly1010

COMMUNICATIONS CHAPTER 4 REVIEW

50 terms

jordan_lenhart8

MOP Ch.4&5 Q's for Review

47 terms

iRachel382

AMA111 Chapter 4 Review

40 terms

yeseniaherrera56

Sets found in the same folder

Roles of the Receptionist

19 terms

Vanessa_Waters20

Ch 19 health record management kahoot

29 terms

lillypadjess

MEDICAL LAW & ETHICS TEST REVIEW

30 terms

aidandrakon

Introduction to the Office Lab

20 terms

Brittany_Elmore6

Other sets by this creator

Patient Coaching With Nutrition Chapter 36 MOD 3

16 terms

CP018

Digestive System Chapter 5 MOD 3

43 terms

CP018

Administering Medication Chapter 38 MOD 3

85 terms

CP018

Pharmacology Basics Chapter 37 MOD 3

83 terms

CP018

Other Quizlet sets

CB Lecture 4: The Self

43 terms

becky_brown40

Healthcare Associated Infections & Antimicrobial R…

26 terms

haleyngreene3

Atrial Dysrhythmia

31 terms

choyjamiePLUS

Related questions

QUESTION

What are the signs and symptoms of intellectual disability?

10 answers

QUESTION

What 3 layers make up the pericardium?

9 answers

QUESTION

What are the stages of learning? (learning ladder)

15 answers

QUESTION

After educating a group of nurses on Alzheimer's disease and appropriate nursing care, the group leader determines that the education was successful when the nurses identify which as the foundation for providing care to the client and family?

4 answers

How do you overcome barriers to visually impaired communication?

Use these strategies to improve your communications with patients who are blind or have visual problems:.
Provide reasonable accommodations. ... .
Appreciate that not all patients will disclose their blindness. ... .
Find out if a person wants assistance. ... .
Create written information that is easy to see. ... .
Provide clear directions..

How do you communicate with a patient with a visual impairment?

Speak directly to the person not through a companion, guide, or other individual. Speak to the person using a natural conversational tone and speed. Do not speak loudly and slowly unless the person also has a hearing impairment. Address the person by name when possible.

How can I help someone with visual impairment?

The Do's and Don'ts of Helping a Blind Person.
Do Include them. ... .
Don't assume they are helpless. ... .
Do communicate clearly with them. ... .
Don't do stupid things. ... .
Do speak directly to them. ... .
Don't speak to or pet their guide dog without consulting them first. ... .
Do raise their awareness to new technologies. ... .
Don't compare..

How can the medical assistant be a good communicator?

Medical assistants should display patience, empathy, and professionalism in all their interactions. A good bedside manner can allay some of the patients' concerns and put them at ease during a stressful visit. You also need good listening skills as a medical assistant. Focus on your patient when they talk to you.