EFFECTIVE INTERACTION

A technique for relating more positively to others could enhance nursing practice. Its advocates explain why to Marie-Claire Mason
The power of communication to effect healing should not be underestimated, according to Garner Thomson, founder and training director of the Society of Medical Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Proponents of neuro-linguistic programming claim it can be instrumental in helping people have richer, fuller lives. It focuses on people overcoming their subjective problems. The same principles have been applied to medical neuro-linguistic programming (MNLP) by systematically observing and analysing why some healthcare professionals appear so effective in helping improve their patients health and healing. Core tenets include health professionals working in equal partnership with their patients, seeing each person as unique, tailoring their approach accordingly, and focusing on the person with the disease rather than the disease itself. Language and behaviour used when interacting with patients can help or hinder the healing process, says Mr Thomson. First and foremost it is important to create a rapport quickly with your patient, he adds. First impressions are vital. For example, remembering to smile with your eyes as well as your mouth can make a difference and help reassure the patient. you to keep the patient at the centre of the consultation and that has got to be good news. It is claimed that language used correctly may reduce the need for analgesics and antihypertensives. Used incorrectly it may result in delayed healing or trigger attacks in diseases such as asthma.

Positive outlook
Telling patients they have a 60 per cent chance of beating a disease, not a 40 per cent chance of dying from it, can have different effects on a patients outlook, says Mr Thomson. It is vital to tap into the patients internal world to discover what could be preventing them from getting better, he claims. MNLP focuses on solutions, which is especially important for patients with chronic conditions who may have forgotten how to be well, points out Mr Thomson. He recalls an obese patient referred to him for help losing weight. The man hobbled into the consulting room with sticks. After establishing a rapport, Mr Thomson realised there was no point talking about exercise or diet. Instead I asked him what the extra weight had stopped him from doing. He burst into tears and said he missed walking along the beach with his wife, which he had not done for 15 years. It was a turning point. We were able to draw up an action plan of how he could do this again. He left the room forgetting his sticks NS Mary-Claire Mason is a freelance writer
For further information go to www.medicalnlp.com

SUMMARY
Nurses can use neuro-linguistic programming to communicate more effectively with patients, it is claimed. Keywords Communication G Medical neuro-linguistic programming G Patient partnership NURSING STANDARD

Putting patients at ease is central to MNLP. Anxiety can reduce the patients ability to hear information and respond during a consultation. Reducing limbic arousal, the fight or flight response, is vital, stresses Mr Thomson. What you say, the tone of your voice, body language and breathing should all help calm the patient and make him or her more receptive. University of Stirling nursing lecturer Sandra Menzies trained in MNLP. With a background in palliative care, she wanted a better insight into how she related to patients. She says: Communication is the crux of a good relationship in oncology. You get to what is concerning the patient and how to help them by learning how to read cues, such as their body language. The techniques allow

CORBIS

april 7 :: vol 24 no 31 :: 2010 25

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