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QUALITIES OF A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL
36

Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Dec 23, 2015

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Todd Blake
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Page 1: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

QUALITIES OF A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL

Page 2: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

VOCABULARY

Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives

Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes so they can be corrected

Dependability-the ability to accept responsibility so that others can depend on you

Page 3: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Willingness to learn-being prepared for lifelong learning in order to adapt to new inventions and technological advances in the field of medicine

Patience-displaying tolerance and understanding with the ability to control your temper

Acceptance of criticism-willingness to gracefully hear the criticism from patients, their families, employers, coworkers and others without resentment and display the ability to learn from it

Page 4: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Enthusiasm-the ability to concentrate on the positive aspects of a situation and diminish the importance of the negative points

Self motivation and self initiative-the ability to begin or follow through with a task without constant direction or reminders

Tact-keen sense of what to say or do to avoid offending someone, skill in dealing with difficult situations

Competence- being qualified and capable of performing a certain task, striving for accuracy and knowing your limits

Page 5: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Responsibility-willingness to be held accountable for your actions. Doing the right thing, the right way, all the time

Discretion-using good judgment in what you say and do; maintaining a patient’s right to confidentiality

Team player-the ability to work well with others and doing your part for the group

Collaboration-working together as a member of a team to produce or create a product or idea

Consensus-a general agreement among team members; the result of collaboration

Page 6: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

LIST 5 FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO GOOD HEALTH1. Eating well balanced meals2. Getting adequate rest and sleep3. Engaging in regular exercise4. Maintaining good posture and body

mechanics5. Avoid use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs

Health care workers are given the charge of promoting health and preventing disease in their patients. They should present a

healthy appearance themselves. Staying healthy and in good physical shape

enhances the healthcare worker’s ability to take care of others.

Page 7: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Discuss the appearance of a healthcare worker in terms of uniform, hair, makeup, shoes, piercings, nails and odor.

A healthcare professional should always present a professional appearance. Their uniform should not be wrinkled and their shoes should be clean at all times. Hair should be kept neat and if it is long; should be worn up. Makeup should be kept to a minimum and perfume should not be worn heavily.

Most hospitals prohibit the display of piercings on body parts other than the ears of females. Also prohibited, or advised against; are artificial nails.

A healthcare professional should maintain good personal hygiene at all times.

Page 8: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Differentiate between subjective and objective observations

A subjective observation by a patient is one that is felt but cannot be seen, palpated, or measured; commonly called a symptom.

An objective observation is one that is visible, palpable, or measurable; commonly called a sign.

Page 9: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Name and briefly define the 3 types of leaders. Which do you think would be most effective in leading a health care team and why?

• Democratic Leader: encourages the participation of all members in decisions. Decisions are made on what is best for the group as a whole.•Laissez-faire Leader: Informal type of leader; applies minimal rules, avoids making decisions; allows individuals in group to work in an independent manner with little or no direction•Autocratic Leader: Also known as a “dictator. “ This individual maintains total rule, makes all of the decisions and has difficulty delegating. A democratic leader would be the most effective. This type of leader will allow a group to share in deciding what, when and how something is to be done. Members of the group will usually do what has to be done because they want to do it. Respecting the rights and opinions of others becomes the most important guide for the leader.

Page 10: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

What were the contributions to medicine of the following individuals?•Hippocrates: Father of medicine. Wrote Hippocratic Oath that is still used today.

•Nightingale: Established Modern Nursing

•Leewenhoek: Invented the microscope

•Laennec: Invented the stethoscope

•Pasteur: germ theory and pasteurization technique

•Barton: Founded the American Red Cross

•Crick and Watson: Discovered DNA double helix model

•Carson: pioneer in modern surgery and separated conjoined twins

Page 11: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Germ Theory/Antibiotics1. Germ theory states that there is one germ that causes one disease.2. The idea that there is a scientific reason behind being ill and not supernatural3. Promotion of chemical remedies4. Promotion of hand washing to remove illness causing organisms that you can’t see5. Invention of the microscope to see microorganisms6. Identification of bacteria and viruses7. The invention of penicillin and sulfa

Modern Surgery- Complex, long surgeries would not be possible if the following discoveries never came to be…1. Discovery of anesthesia2. X-ray3. Ligatures to bind blood vessels4. Sterilization techniques5. Successful blood transfusion

Page 12: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Organ Transplantation. 1.. Human anatomy dissection2. Anesthesia3. Discovery of X-ray4. Discovery of blood types5. Kidney was the first successfully transplanted organ from one identical twin to another.

Detection and Treatment of CancerCancer is the number 2 leading cause of death in the US. Cancer was first mentioned in ancient times. Remission and an increase in lifespan after cancer can be traced back to the following…

1. Discovery of the lymphatic system2. Discovery of DNA3. Removing surrounding tissue with the tumor4. Invention of chemotherapy

Page 13: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Brainstorm two future events/discoveries and explain why you think it is feasible. These are events or discoveries that you see coming in the future. What are they? How will they contribute to the advancement of medicine? Who will benefit? What has to happen before the discovery will happen?

Some potential advances (rationales will vary)•Cure for cancer•Cure for AIDS•Transplantation of entire limbs•Regeneration of nerve tissue in brain and spinal cord tissue•Human organ cloning•Cure for diabetes

Page 14: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Compare and Contrast HMO insurance plans and PPO insurance plans

PPO HMOIn-network and out of network coverage In-network onlyNo Primary Care Physician (PCP) required PCP requiredNo referrals necessary Referrals from PCP requiredHas deductible, coinsurance and copays Primarily copays More flexible More rigidMore choice Less complicated

** Deductibles and co-insurance go together (you must meet your deductible for the planyear before the co-insurance applies. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR VOCABULARY

Page 15: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Define the following terms:

1. Worker’s Compensation-insurance program for employees injured at work

2. Medicare- covers individuals 65+ years old and the permanently disabled <65 yrs old.

3. Medicaid: covers the economically disadvantaged. It is federally and state funded but operated by the state. 4. SCHIP: covers the children of adults who do not qualify for Medicaid. It is a Low-cost health insurance plan for children. It is run by the state.

5. Premium- the amount paid by the insured for the insurance policy

6. Copayment (copay)-a specific fee for a specific service. Not associated with deductibles and co-insurance.

7. Co-insurance - the shared percentage between the insurance company and the insured (patient); to be paid after the deductible has been met

Page 16: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Deductible the dollar amount to be paid by the insured (patient) prior to any co-insurance. (generally for the entire plan year)

Uninsured- an individual or family with no health care coverage

Underinsured- an individual or family with insurance that cannot afford his/her healthcare costs. Therefore, any illness can threaten financial hardship. Primary Care

Primary Care Physician (PCP)- HMO’s require patients select a PCP who manages the patient’s care and issues referrals for other services

Pre-Existing Condition- an illness or condition for which the insured received treatment or advice for within the previous 12 months prior to starting the health insurance plan.

High deductible plan- insurance plan with a high deductible and low monthly premium.

Prescription Drug Benefits- health insurance that covers prescription drugs

Page 17: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Managed Care: •Developed in response to rising health care costs•Money should be spent efficiently and not wasted•All health care provided must have a medically-necessary purpose•Emphasis is placed upon preventive care and early diagnosis of disease•Employers and insurers create a network of doctors, specialists, therapists and health care facilities that will provide care at the most reasonable cost.

Page 18: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

There are 5 healthcare career clusters

1. Therapeutic Services- involved in changing the healthcare status of a patient over time. Careers in this cluster include; Physician, Registered Nurse, Respiratory Therapist, Mortician, Dentist, Audiologist, Physical Therapist, Pharmacist, EMT

2. Diagnostic Services- involved in creating a picture of the health status of a patient at a single point in time. Careers in this cluster include; Cardiovascular Technologist, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Electrocardiographic Technician, Geneticist, Radiologic Technologist, Pathologist, Nutritionist.

3. Health Informatics- involved with the documentation of patient care. Careers in this cluster include; Admitting clerk, Data Analyst, Epidemiologist, Health educator, Health Information Coder, Medical Assistant, Medical Biller and Coder.

4. Support Services-involved in creating a therapeutic environment to provide direct or indirect patient care. Careers in this cluster include; Biomedical/Clinical Engineer, Central services, Facilities Manager, Food service, Material Management.

5. Biotechnology Research and Development- involved on bioscience research and development. Careers in this cluster include; Biochemist, Biostatistician, Clinical trials research coordinator, Geneticist, Microbiologist, Molecular biologist, Quality Assurance technician, Toxicologist, Research assistant.

Page 19: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Briefly describe the services offered at the following:Hospitals offer a wide range of services including diagnosis, treatment, education, and research.

Long Term Care Facilities- provide care for elderly patients(residents)

Medical Offices- provide services such as diagnosis of illness, treatment, examination, basic laboratory testing, minor surgery and other similar care.

Dental Clinics- vary in size and offer services ranging from general dental care for allages to specialized care offered to certain age groups or for certain dental conditions.

Optical Centers-provide vision examinations, prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses and check for the presence of eye diseases.

Clinics- also called satellite clinics or satellite centers. Some are composed of a group of medical or dental doctors who share a facility and other personnel. Other clinics are operated by private groups who provide special care. Examples are;1. surgical clinics or centers2. Urgent or emergency care clinics3. Rehab clinics4. Specialty (dialysis, oncology etc)5. Outpatient clinics-usually operated by hospitals or large medical groups; provide care for outpatients.

Page 20: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Emergency Care Services- provide special care for victims of accidents or sudden illness. (Ambulance services, rescue squads, emergency care clinics)

Laboratories- perform special diagnostic tests such as blood or urine tests.

Dental laboratories can prepare dentures and many other devices used to repair or replace teeth.

Home Health Care- provide care in a patient’s home

Hospice- agencies provide care for terminally ill persons who usually have life expectancies of 6 months or less

Mental Health Facilities-treat patients with mental diseases and disorders

Genetic Counseling Centers-work with couples or individuals who are pregnant or considering pregnancy. They perform prenatal screening tests, check for genetic abnormalities and birth defects, explain the results of the tests.

Rehabilitation Facilities-provide care to help patients with physical or mental disabilities obtain maximum self care and function.

Industrial Health Care Centers-aka occupational health clinics, found in large

companies or industries. Teach accident prevention and safety and provide emergency care.

Page 21: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

LEGAL

Define the following terms:a. Civil law-focuses on the legal relationships between people

and the protection of a person’s rights; in health care, civil law usually involves torts and contracts.

b. Criminal law- dealing with wrongs against a person, property or society (practicing medicine without a license, theft, misuse of narcotics).

c. negligence-failure to provide care that would normally be expected of a person equally trained in that particular situation, resulting in injury to a patient.

d. Informed consent- permission granted voluntarily by a person who is of sound mind after all risks have been explained in terms that the patient can understand.

e. Invasion of privacy-unnecessarily exposing an individual or revealing personal

information about an individual without that person’s consent.f. abuse-any care that results in physical harm, pain, or mental

anguish.

Page 22: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

ETHICSmalpractice- “bad practice” commonly called “professional

negligence”. Can be defined as the failure of a professional to use the degree of skill and learning commonly expected in that individual’s profession, resulting in injury, loss, or damage to the person receiving care.

Legal Disability- a person who has a legal disability does not have the legal capacity to form a contract. (ex; minors, mentally incompetent, under influence of drugs)

Patient Confidentiality- information about the patient must remain private and can be shared only with other members of the patient’s health care team.

Ethics-set of principles relating to what is morally right or wrong. Code of conduct for behavior.

Patient-person in need of and receiving careResident-an individual who lives in a long term care facility

Page 23: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Advanced directive- legal documents that allow individuals to state what medical treatment they do or do not wish to receive in the event that they should become incapacitated and are unable to express their wishes.

Two types: a. Living Will- documents that allow individuals to state what measures should or should not be taken to prolong life when their conditions are terminal.

b. Durable Power of Atty- document that allows an individual to appoint another person to make any decisions regarding health care if the principle should become unable to make decisions.

DNR- stands for DO NOT RESUSCITATE

Liability Insurance-legal or professional responsibility

OBRA(Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)- federal law that regulates the education and testing of nursing assistants.

Page 24: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

In order to correct a legal document you will draw one line through the mistake, make the correction, date, and initial.

PATIENTS RIGHTSThe patient has a right to:• Free choice regarding physician, treatment, care, and participation in research•Freedom from abuse and chemical or physical restraints•Privacy and confidentiality of personal and clinical records•Accommodation of needs and choice regarding activities, schedules, and health care•Freedom to voice grievances without fear of retaliation or discrimination•Organize and participate in family and residential groups and social, religious and community activities.•Right to have access to information on medical benefits, and medical records•Right to manage personal funds and use personal posessions•Right to unlimited access to family or relatives and to share a room with his or her spouse if both are residents•Right to remain in the facility and not be transferred or discharged except for medical reasons, welfare of others, failure to pay or inability of the facility to meet the patients needs

Page 25: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY DEFINITIONS

a. Culture-values, beliefs, attitudes, languages, symbols, rituals, behaviors and customs unique to a particular group of people and passed from one generation to the next.

b. Ethnicity-classification of people based on national origin and/or culture. c. Race-classification of people based on physical or biological

characteristics such as the color of skin, hair, and eyes; facial features; blood type; and bone structure.

d. Cultural Assimilation-requires that the newly arrived cultural group alter unique beliefs and behaviors and adopt the ways of the dominant culture.

e. Acculturation- process of learning the beliefs and behaviors of a dominant culture and assuming some of the characteristics. Usually takes place slowly over a long period.

f. Sensitivity-ability to recognize and appreciate the personal characteristics of others.

g. Prejudice- means to prejudge- strong feeling or belief about a person or subject that is formed without reviewing facts or information.

h. Stereotyping-occurs when an assumption is made that everyone in a particular group is the same.

i. Bias-preference that inhibits impartial judgment j. Spirituality-individualized and personal set of beliefs and practices that

evolve and change throughout an individual’s life.k. Religion-spiritual beliefs and practices of an individuall. Atheist-person who does not believe in any deitym. Agnostic- person who believes that the existence of God cannot be

proved or disproved

Page 26: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

What are 3 ways a healthcare professional can show respect for a patient’s culture?

1. Know and be consciously aware of your own personal and professional

values and beliefs.

2. Obtain as much information as possible about different ethnic and cultural

groups.

3. Be sensitive to behaviors and practices different from your own.

4. Remember that you are not being pressured to adopt other beliefs, but that

you must respect them.

5. Develop friendships with a wide variety of people from different ethnic/cultural groups.

6. Ask questions and encourage questions from others to share ideas and beliefs.

7. Evaluate all information before you form and opinion.

8. Be open to differences.

9. Avoid jokes that may offend

10. Remember that mistakes happen. Apologize if you hurt another person, and

forgive if another person hurts you.

Page 27: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Human Needs and Life Stages

Name and Describe each level of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs- according to Maslow, the lower needs should be met before an individual can strive to meet higher needs. Only when satisfaction has been obtained at one level is an individual motivated toward meeting needs at a higher level. The levels of needs include physiological needs, safety, affection, esteem, and self actualization.

PHYSIOLOGIC NEEDS-basic needs such as food, water, oxygen, elimination, sleep and protection from extreme

temps.SAFETY-need to be free from anxiety and fear, and the need to feel

secure in the environment.AFFECTION- warm and tender feeling for another person, social

acceptance, friendship and to be loved.ESTEEM-feeling of importance and worthwhile. When others show respect, approval, and appreciation, and individual begins to feel esteem and gains self worth.SELF-ACTUALIZATION-all other needs must be met, at least in part,

before self-actualization can occur. Self actualization means that people have obtained their full potentials or that they are what they want to be.

Page 28: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Name and list ages and major life event for each of the 7 life stages

a. Infancy: birth to 1 year- Feedingb. Early Childhood: 1-6 years-Toilet trainingc. Late Childhood:6-12 years- Schoold. Adolescence:12-18 years-Peer pressuree. Early Adulthood: 19-40 years- Love relationshipsf. Middle Adulthood:40-65 years-Parentingg. Late Adulthood:65 years and older-reflection and/or

acceptance of life

Compare and Contrast the terms growth and developmentGrowth refers to the measurable physical changes that occur throughout a person’s life.Development refers to the changes in intellectual, mental, emotional, social, and functional skills that occur over time.

Page 29: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Define physical, emotional, social and mental development.

Physical development refers to body growth and includes height and weight changes, muscle and nerve development, and changes in body organs.

Emotional development refers to feelings and includes dealing with love, hate, joy, fear, excitement, and other similar feelings.

Social Development refers to interactions and relationships with other people.

Mental Development refers to intellectual development and includes learning how to solve problems, make judgments, and deal with situations.

Page 30: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

EATING DISORDERSAnorexia is a psychological disorder in which a person drastically reduces food intake orrefuses to eat. Anorexia results in metabolic disturbances, excessive weight loss, weakness, and if not treated, death.Bulimia is a psychological disorder in which a person alternately binges and then fasts, or refuses to eat at all. Bulimarexia refers to a psychological disorder characterized by a person inducing vomitingOr using laxatives to get rid of food that has been eaten.Compulsive Overeating is characterized by the uncontrollable urge to eat. Also called foodAddiction. Compulsive overeaters often eat when they are not hungry.

5 Characteristics of someone with an eating disorderWeight loss or fluctuationFatigueMood swingsAvoiding other peoples companyPreoccupation with food and weightRigid or harsh exercise routinesSecretive eatingEating very little in publicSelf worth determined by weightEating disorders are more common in females, with only 10% of eating disorder sufferers being male.

Page 31: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Death and Dying

1. Terminal Illness- a disease that cannot be cured and will result in death2. The 5 stages of grieving are:

a. Denial-aka the NO, not me! Stage, which usually occurs when the person is first told of the illness. The person cannot accept the truth about his/her DX.b. Anger-occurs when the patient is no longer able to deny death. Patients may strike out at anyone who comes in contact with them and may become hostile or bitter.c. Bargaining- occurs when patients accept death but want more time to live. Patients will often turn to religion during this period.d. Depression- occurs when patients realize that death will come soon and they will no longer be with their families or be able to complete their goals.e. Acceptance- the final stage. At this point, patients understand and accept the fact that they are going to die.

Patients might not go through the stages in order, could be in several stages at the same time, and may not complete all of the stages prior to death.

Page 32: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross has done extensive research on the process of death and dying, and Is known as a leading expert on this topic. Her research has served to educate medical personnel so that they have a better understanding of the process of death and the needs of Her patients and their families. Kubler- Ross identified the five stages of death previously Described. The stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

The Right to Die is another issue that health care workers must understand. Because healthcare workers are ethically concerned with promoting life, allowing patients to die can cause conflict. However, most people feel that an individual who has a terminal illness, withNo hope of being cured, should be allowed to refuse measures that would prolong life.

Organ DonationThe name of the organization that maintains the waiting list for organ donation is the United Network for Organ Sharing.

Some of the organs, tissues and other body parts can be donated are; heart, lungs, pancreas, liver, intestines, cornea, skin, heart valves, bone, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Bone marrow, stem cells, and umbilical cord blood can also be donated.A patient gets on the organ donation waiting list by referral from their physician when their condition becomes such that they will need a transplant in order to survive.

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Organ distribution is made on a basis of blood and tissue typing, medical need, time on the waiting list, and the geographical locations of both donor and recipient.

What are three warning signs for suicide?1. Verbal statements indicating that an individual feels

that his/her family and friends would be better off without them. Or declares that they would be better off dead.

2. Sudden changes in appetite and sleep habits3. Withdrawal, depression and moodiness4. Excessive fatigue or agitation5. Neglect of personal hygiene6. Alcohol or drug abuse7. Losing interest in hobbies and other aspects of life8. Preoccupation with death9. Giving away possessions10.Social withdrawal

Page 34: Empathy- the ability to identify with and understand another person’s feelings, situation and motives Honesty-being truthful and willing to admit mistakes.

Communication1. Verbal Communication- spoken words2. Nonverbal Communication-use of facial expressions, body language,

gestures, eye contact and touch to convey messages or ideas.The majority of messages that we send are nonverbal.

3. Three elements of communication are:a. sender-an individual who creates a message to convey information

or an idea to another person.b. Message- information, ideas, or thoughtsc. Receiver- an individual who receives the message from the sender.

In order to improve communication with someone who is hearing impaired it is essential to use body language such as gestures and signs, speak clearly in short sentences, face the individual to improve the potential for lip reading.

In order to improve communication with someone who is visually impaired one must use a soft tone of voice, describe events that are occurring, announce your presence as you enter a room, explain sounds and use touch when appropriate.

In order to improve communication with a patient who has a speech impairment one must be very patient, allow them to speak, encourage them to take their time, ask questions that require only short responses, speak slowly and clearly, pause between sentences to allow time for comprehension. Encourage these patients to use gestures or point to objects, provide writing materials if they can write.

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Anger is also a barrier to good communication. Individuals must always be treated with respect and healthcare professionals must remember that fear is often the main cause of anger or negative attitudes. Healthcare professionals must talk in a soft nonthreatening tone of voice, remain calm, avoid arguing and encourage the individual to discuss their feelings or concerns.PAPALegal Father- a man who has signed the AOP or whom the court finds responsible for supporting the baby.Alleged Father- a man who is charged with, pointed to or claimed to be the father of a child.Biological Father- a man whose sperm caused the baby to be conceived.Presumed Father- a man who is married to the mother at the time the child is born.Acknowledgement of Paternity- legal form that a man must sign accepting legal responsibility for the child. This is preferably signed at the time of birth.Caregiver- a person who takes care of the child and who helps provide for the childs basic needs and safety at any given time.Custodial Parent-the person who has primary care, custody and control of the child.Office of the Attorney General- state agency in Texas responsible for collecting court ordered child support.Gross pay- total amount earned by an individual before subtracting taxes and deductions.Net Pay- the amount of a persons paycheck that remains after subtracting taxes and deductions. Net income is used to determine the amount of child support a noncustodial parent may be ordered to pay.

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Five characteristics of a healthy relationship:

1.Each person is comfortable with who he or she is and has high self esteem.2. The two people like, admire and respect each other.3. Each person is accepted for who they are.4. Communication is open, clear and honest5. Healthy couples recognize when they have conflict and can manage it without conflict6. Friendship is the basis of the relationship7.Both parties trust and respect each other, and do things for each other to show caring and appreciation for each other.8. Have people who can support you.