barrier to communication

Medical term Communication and Customer Service

Anything that blocks understanding, such as noise, distance, language or hearing barriers, or strong emotions like fear or anger.

Sources

Related terms

active listeningGiving full attention to understand what the speaker means and responding thoughtfully.
closed-ended questionA question answered with yes, no or a short fact.
cultural competenceProviding care that respects and fits patients' cultural values, beliefs and practices.
empathyUnderstanding and sharing another person's feelings from their point of view.
feedbackThe receiver's response to a message, which shows whether it was understood.
nonverbal communicationCommunicating without words, through facial expression, gestures, posture, eye contact and touch.
open-ended questionA question that invites a detailed answer in the patient's own words, such as "Tell me about your pain."
rapportA relationship of trust and understanding between the patient and caregiver.