Post-Operative Complications: Navigating Patient Concerns: Exploring Communication and Empathy with Margaret "Maggie" Thompson

Abstract

The case report presents a simulation designed for nursing students to enhance their skills in empathetic communication and patient education through interaction with Margaret "Maggie" Thompson, a 58-year-old teacher facing post-operative complications following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary learning objectives are for students to practice empathetic communication, explain medical conditions in plain language, identify and address hidden patient concerns, use active listening and open-ended questions to build rapport, and recognize the emotional impact of delayed recovery on patients and their families. In the simulated scenario, students engage with Maggie to understand her concerns, provide clear explanations, and use empathetic communication to reassure her. They address her questions about her condition, potential treatments, and the recovery process while respecting her emotional state. This case is valuable in a curriculum for developing foundational skills in communication, empathy, and patient-centered care, which are essential for advanced beginner nursing students progressing toward independent practice.