Page 25 - UNC MC Assistive Personnel Orientation Manual 2020
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Therapeutic Interactions

                                            Therapeutic Interactions

                                     Do’s                                             Don’ts
                   Respect personal space (usually an arm’s length)     Do not get in the patient’s space
                   Stand to the side of the patient                     Avoid face-to-face confrontational
                                                                          stance

                   Do make eye contact with the patient                 Do not stare at patients
                                                                         They may be paranoid or feel
                                                                          challenged or judged

                   Use non-verbal communication (Nodding, body          Do not give patients non-verbal
                    language that shows you are interested)               messages that their concerns are not
                   Do give patients your full attention                  important

                   Do speak quietly & clearly                           Do not raise your voice or speak quickly
                                                                         Too much information can overwhelm
                                                                          the patient

                   Use short sentences when giving directions           Do not minimize or make light of the
                                                                          patient’s feelings or concerns
                   Use language that the patient understands (no        Do not be intrusive
                    jargon)

                   Do listen actively and reflect back what the         Do not minimize disturbing behaviors or
                    patient communicates                                  comments

                   Use your own words                                   Do not give patients non-verbal
                                                                          messages that their concerns are not
                                                                          important

                   Do carefully observe the patient’s behaviors &       Do not minimize or make light of the
                    conversations                                         patient’s feelings or concerns

                   All behavior is meaningful                           Do not be intrusive
                   Call for help if you are concerned                   Do not minimize disturbing behaviors or
                   Report changes to RN                                  comments
                                                                         Psychiatric patients often have
                                                                          untreated medical illnesses

                   Do observe for mental status changes (mood,          Do not minimize mental status changes
                    memory, speech, consciousness, attention)            These changes could be a sign of an
                   Report changes to RN                                  imminent crisis

              11/10JB




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