The bullet point guidelines under the Psychiatric treatment section are some pretty good advice for life and human interaction in general.
- Quiet and supportive reassurance is always indicated. Help orient the patient.
- Maintain good eye contact, paraphrase statements. Explain everything thoroughly.
- Clearly explain all actions and procedures.
- Give honest answers balanced by judicious omissions.
- Remember that unconscious patients may comprehend sounds, including conversations.
- Avoid changing medics.
- Remove disruptive individuals from the team.
- Remove anxious individuals from stressful situations.
- Do not blame the patient for accident.
- Do not be flippant or dishonest.
- Do not tell victim how to feel.
- Do not expect too much or too little.
- Do not appear hurried.
- Do not expect praise or thanks for your actions.
- Above all, listen to the patient and care!