Title: Communicate with co-workers and patients about concerns related to surgery, sexuality, and death and dying.
Course: Surgical Technologist II (14056--II) > Section: Demonstrating Positive Interpersonal Relationships

Communication about surgery, sexuality, and death and dying should

- include interviews and conversations with staff members, surgeons, peers, patients, and families of patients
- demonstrate a knowledge of the facts and emotional overtones surrounding the issue of concern
- reflect an understanding of and sensitivity to gender, age, and cultural diversity.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Why is it difficult for many patients to communicate their concerns about surgery? About sexual ramifications of surgery? About death and dying?
- What are some techniques for communicating with patients about sexual ramifications of surgery? About death and dying?
- Why is it important to be able to talk professionally with other members of the surgical team about sexual ramifications of a surgical procedure? What approaches may be successful?
- How can a surgical technologist know when another professional needs to be consulted or called in about the patient’s anxieties? What other types of professionals may be of assistance?