title: Communicating with hard-to-reach patients.
abstract: The blocks to communication that hinder work with certain patients with organically based illnesses can be overcome with imagination and forethought. This article has identified some techniques found useful in working with such patients, but, in the end, it is critical that workers do not let their frustration with communicating alienate them from their patients. Feelings of inadequacy cannot be allowed to separate workers from their patients. Devising techniques to enhance communication with the hard-to-reach patient is an area of social work practice greatly in need of exploration.
mesh_terms: D001037:Aphasia / Q000523:psychology; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000523:psychology; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D003142:Communication; D003144:Communication Barriers; D006801:Humans; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D012947:Social Work; D014705:Verbal Behavior