Are We Losing the Art of Actively Listening to Our Patients? Connecting the Art of Active Listening with Emotionally Competent Behaviors

Michelle Doas

doi:10.4236/ojn.2015.56060

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Open Journal of Nursing > Vol.5 No.6, June 2015

Are We Losing the Art of Actively Listening to Our Patients? Connecting the Art of Active Listening with Emotionally Competent Behaviors ()

Michelle Doas

Chatham University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojn.2015.56060 PDF HTML XML 4,758 Downloads 6,807 Views Citations

Abstract

Active listening is an essential communication technique that requires the listener to focus and provide feedback on what is heard. The ability to listen actively demonstrates sincerity, and assumes that nothing is being shrugged or taken for granted. As a result, active listeners strive to improve professional and personal relationships, decrease misinterpretation of information, strengthen compliance, and foster understanding. Likewise, active listening can foster trust, mutual respect, and patient compliance. This paper will explore vital connections between active listening and displaying emotionally competent behaviors. Additionally, analysis of a case study as a means of strengthening these connections while improving patient outcomes will be assessed.

Keywords

Active Listening, Emotional Competence, Interpersonal Communication

Share and Cite:

Doas, M. (2015) Are We Losing the Art of Actively Listening to Our Patients? Connecting the Art of Active Listening with Emotionally Competent Behaviors. Open Journal of Nursing, 5, 566-570. doi: 10.4236/ojn.2015.56060.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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