A STUDY OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN HOSPITALS AND ITS INFLUENCE IN THE RECOVERY OF PATIENTS

Authors

  • Dr. P. Ravi Professor, Department of Management Studies, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Haebus Solomon Vethabothagam PhD Scholar, Reg. no. 18224011061014, Department of Management Studies, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Abishekapatti, Tirunelveli- 627012.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i4.2024.5960

Keywords:

Non-Verbal Communication, Patient Recovery, Healthcare Communication, Therapeutic Relationships, Hospital Environment

Abstract [English]

This descriptive research study examines the impact of non-verbal communication on patient recovery outcomes in hospital settings. Non-verbal communication, encompassing body language, facial expressions, eye contact, touch, spatial relationships, and environmental factors, plays a crucial role in healthcare delivery and patient experience. This study employed a descriptive research design with a sample of 400 respondents, including patients, healthcare professionals, and family members across multiple hospital departments. Data was collected through structured questionnaires, observational checklists, and patient recovery metrics over a six-month period. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation between effective non-verbal communication practices and improved patient recovery rates, reduced anxiety levels, enhanced patient satisfaction, and shorter hospital stays. Healthcare professionals who demonstrated empathetic non-verbal behaviors, maintained appropriate eye contact, and used therapeutic touch appropriately showed measurably better patient outcomes. The study recommends implementing comprehensive non-verbal communication training programs for healthcare staff, establishing standardized protocols for therapeutic communication, and creating healing environments that support positive non-verbal interactions. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the integration of communication skills training in healthcare education and practice.

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Published

2024-04-30

How to Cite

P. Ravi, & Vethabothagam, H. S. (2024). A STUDY OF NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN HOSPITALS AND ITS INFLUENCE IN THE RECOVERY OF PATIENTS. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 5(4), 2059–2074. https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i4.2024.5960