Discuss how effective communication enhances the quality of patient / client / service user care in relation to one of the following skills: Vital Signs Monitoring

Assignment Brief

Part I – Formative assessment 

This will be a formative review with feedback only from your personal tutor. This is to provide you with an opportunity to receive support with your academic writing prior to your first summative submission of the programme.  You will not receive a grade for this submission.

In order to complete part I of this assignment you will need to submit the first 1,000 words as indicated below.  A reference list supporting those used in the first 1,000 words (approx. 10 references) should also be submitted for review, along with a draft plan of how you propose to compete this assignment.

Assignment Title:

Discuss how effective communication enhances the quality of patient / client / service user care in relation to one of the following skills:

• Vital Signs Monitoring
• Medicines administration
• Assisting a patient with feeding
• Assisting a patient in meeting Elimination needs

In your answer you must:

1. Make reference to the NMC Code (2015)
2. Consider patient diversity
3. Make reference to inter-professional working
4. Include approximately 20 references from UK based nursing literature written within the last 10 years

Sample Answer

How Effective Communication Improves Patient Care in Medicines Administration

Introduction

Good communication is a key skill for nurses. It ensures patients feel safe, understood and well cared for. When it comes to medicines administration, communication becomes even more important. Giving medication involves explaining what the medicine is, checking the right patient and dose, and ensuring the patient understands how and when to take it. Mistakes in communication can cause harm or serious errors. This essay will show how effective communication improves patient safety and experience during medicines administration. It will also discuss how it supports inter-professional working and respects diversity.

The Importance of Communication in Medicines Administration

Medicines are a common part of healthcare. Nurses need to give them safely and correctly. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code (2015) says nurses must "communicate clearly" and "make sure patients are properly informed." This helps patients trust their nurse and feel in control of their care.

For example, a nurse should explain what a medicine is for and what side effects might happen. If a patient doesn’t understand, they may not take the medicine properly. Speaking clearly, listening carefully, and using simple words helps avoid confusion. If the patient doesn’t speak English well, a translator or interpreter should be used. This supports patient diversity, ensuring all patients get equal care.

Patient Safety and Preventing Errors

One of the most serious risks in medicines administration is giving the wrong drug or dose. This can happen if communication is poor. Nurses must follow the "five rights" of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time.

Speaking with the patient, reading their name band aloud, and checking with colleagues can reduce mistakes. If a patient says, “I don’t usually take this tablet,” a good communicator will stop, check again, and ensure it’s correct. This protects the patient and shows professional responsibility.

Inter-professional Working

Giving medicine often involves a team, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses. Clear communication between these professionals is vital. For example, if a pharmacist changes a patient’s prescription, they must inform the nurse. The nurse, in turn, must document the change and tell the patient. Misunderstandings between team members can delay or affect treatment.

Good communication between professionals means using handover tools like SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation), clear written notes, and speaking respectfully with each other. The NMC Code also says nurses should “work cooperatively” with colleagues for the best patient care.

Continued...