The role of and effective communication with family and carers

Overview

Family, friends and carers are often in a position to help and support the patient/service user, particularly if they are anxious or poorly. Having a family member, friend or carer with them when the person’s situation is more complex may also help with gaining an understanding of information which is being shared and options that may need to be considered.

However, ensuring that the patient/service user is happy/comfortable for another member of their family or a carer to be present is equally important to ensure that the person’s dignity, confidentiality and respect are in tact.

Establishing a positive relationship with family members, friends and carers in the early stages of support planning may help to improve outcomes. This will include establishing when and how they should be involved and agreeing this jointly with the service user/patient.

Identify the role you will play in supporting the service user/patient and what responsibilities you have for assisting in their care, treatment, and recovery.

You will also need to consider how any decisions may be impacted if the patient/service user does not have the capacity to consent (further guidance is provided on this  subject in section xxx)

Why is this important

Working with families, carers and friends is an important element of delivering a person centred approach to care.

Families and carers in particular may often be the main point of contact, or provide direct support and pastoral or personal care to a patient or service user.   However, in some cultures expressing concerns about mental health may be difficult and not acknowledged by family members.

Respecting the knowledge that family and friends/carers may have about the service user/patient is important, as their views and opinions may fell dismissed if they are now acknowledged.

However, understanding when it may not be in the patient/service users best interests, or wishes to not communicate is of equal importance.

Skills Review

Having completed this sub-topic I will understand the importance of these skills.

• I am able to agree with the service user/patient how, when and why communication with the family/carers/friends will take place so that the service user’s respect, confidentiality and dignity is maintained.
• I am able to establish clear boundaries about my relationship with family members, carers and friends and ensure that these are also agreed with the service user/patient.