Component Task: Establishing Rapport with the Psychiatric Patient (Developing Interpersonal Relationship)

This is a process of building a therapeutic relationship with the patient while on admission. It makes the patient feel comfortable in disclosing his/her needs to the nurse and other health team members.

Aims

·         Develop mutual trust between patient and nurse

·         Reduce anxiety and promote recovery

·         Maintain the dignity of patient

·         Promote effective communication

Requirements

·         Chairs

·         Tables

·         Patient’s folder(Electronic/Manual)

Steps

1.        Welcome patient and offer a comfortable seat

2.      Sit near him/her and introduce yourself

3.      Find out patient’s name and title, and use it when addressing him/her

4.      Speak to patient using simple and clear language that patient understands

5.      Establish eye contact with the patient during the interaction

6.      Explain to patient what he/she could expect from you as a nurse

7.       Encourage patient to talk and express his/her feelings and listen actively

8.      Help patient to think through his/her problem in a logical manner using therapeutic communication techniques e.g. clarifying, paraphrasing, questioning, etc.

9.      Show consistency in approaching the patient

10.    Demonstrate firmness in dealing with inappropriate requests and behaviour by the patient if any

11.      Maintain a relaxed attitude when interacting with him/her to show patient that you have time for him/her

12.    Express appreciation to patient

13.    Document the procedure in the nurses’ note/patient’s folder