Improving the nurse-patient relationship: A multi-faceted approach

Aim: A Corporate Education Session was held to provide concrete strategies for overcoming several specific barriers in the daily nurse-patient relationship that negatively affect the patient, nurse, or both, and to provide the latest information about best practice as it affects nurses in renal care. Methodology: The session was led by a moderator who presented three video case studies to the audience. Communication strategies for recognising and overcoming nurse-patient communication barriers were presented. The audience expressed their views about each case study using voting pads, and a panel of experts addressed the comments of the audience and discussed guidelines for best practice in renal care. The panel comprised three experienced renal nurses, a senior nephrologist, and an expert in social interaction. Conclusions: Optimal treatment of patients with renal disease should include early treatment of anaemia, adequate levels of dialysis, and a multidisciplinary approach, responding to both the medical and the social needs of the patient. (Less)