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Subject Area
Understanding patient behaviour
Focus
Empathetic care
Simulation Title
De-escalation of anxiety for a patient in a hospital ward
Introduction Theoretical Background Exercises Videos Role-play Cards Facilitator's Notes Extra Resources
Learning Aim

To develop the understanding the reasons for patient behaviour, leading to empathetic care.

Learning Objectives
  1. Recognise common behavioural responses to stressful situations (fear, denial, anger) in healthcare settings.
  2. Develop skills to identify and interpret non-verbal cues such as body language, facial expressions and tone of voice.
  3. Appreciate the role of own verbal and non-verbal communication in shaping patient behaviour.
  4. Apply appropriate communication techniques tailored to diverse behaviours (calm reassurance for anxious patients, clear instructions for confused patients)
  5. Create a safe supportive environment for patients in an empathetic manner.
Simulation Scenario

Characters

Anxious Patient: 45-year-old John

Nurse: Emily

Background

A 45-year-old male experiencing post-surgical recovery. John is anxious about his health, the hospital environment and his upcoming treatment. He has a history of mild anxiety but has become more distressed since his surgery. The hospital ward is relatively quiet, with the soft beeping of monitors and the occasional murmur of staff. John is lying in bed, breathing quickly and wringing his hands. He appears tense, frequently glancing at the Intravenous drip in his arm and the machines around him. Emily, the nurse, notices his discomfort and approaches calmly.

Setting

Hospital ward, post-surgery recovery room.