Benchmark assignment. Applying Theory to a practice problem part 3. Application of Borrowed theory to problem and conclusion

Application of Communication Accommodation Theory
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Application of Communication Accommodation Theory
Theories provide a framework through which phenomena, behaviors, situations, and events can be understood and addressed. The problem of ineffective communication is significant in the nursing practice. Previously, a mid-range theory, Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations was applied to the problem. This paper begins by providing a summary of the problem and how Peplau’s theory was applied. The paper goes to discuss communication accommodation theory and its application to the problem.
Summary of the Problem and Potential Mid-range Theory
Ineffective communication affects nursing practice to a significant extent. The nurse-patient relationship can be impacted negatively due to ineffective communication. As informed by a study by King, et al. (2013), ineffective communication can result in problems such as repeated phone clarifications, care delays, higher risk of patient rehospitalization, and frustrated patients. In addition, ineffective communication has been found to contribute to about a third of all malpractice cases (Crico, 2015). As seen, it's evident that ineffective communication can cause serious challenges that limit the effectiveness of the nursing practice.
A potential mid-range theory that could be applied to the problem of ineffective communication is Peplau’s interpersonal relations theory. The mid-range theory was developed to help nurses improve their interactions with patients for better outcomes. The three phases of the theory, orientation, working, and termination can be applied to the nurse-patient interaction to make it better. Given that the theory takes into account the feelings and emotions of both patients and nurses, the interactions between them can be improved. In addition, given that the interaction between the nurse and the patient is structured rather than ordinary, the theory can be applied efficiently. Through the application of Peplau’s theory, the challenge of ineffective communication in nursing practice can be reduced significantly. As such, there is likely to be a lower risk of rehospitalization, fewer clarifications, and reduced care delays.
Borrowed Theory – Communication Accommodation Theory
A communication accommodation theory is a borrowed theory that can be applied to the problem. This theory focuses on explaining how, where and when people adjust their communication while interacting with other people, whether consciously or unconsciously (Dragojevic, Gasiorek, & Giles, 2016). The theory appreciates that all interactions happen within a given context, which can either be intergroup or interpersonal. According to Gallois and Giles (2015), communication accommodation can only occur if people function as individuals of a large group such as professional group or a country. It is impossible to be accommodative in communication if people are restrained by intergroup pressures, hence the need to act as individuals.
The theory identifies three ways in which people adjust their communication to others (Dragojevic, Gasiorek, & Giles, 2016). The first is referred to as convergence, which basically involves a person changing their communication behavior to be similar to the other person’s. As such, people will try to adopt the communication behaviors used by others in order to accommodate them. The second adjustment is referred to as divergence, which involves an individual adjusting their communication style so as to appear different from others (Dragojevic, Gasiorek, & Giles, 2016). The last adjustment is referred to as maintenance, which involves maintaining one’s normal communication behaviors (Dragojevic, Gasiorek, & Giles, 2016). In this case, the individual does not adjust their communication in an attempt to accommodate others. Convergence adjustment produces positive outcomes because people are perceived to be more accommodative of other people’s needs during interpersonal interactions (Dragojevic, Gasiorek, & Giles, 2016). This is a very appropriate adjustment when people are trying to build trust and rapport. However, divergence and maintenance adjustments are associated with negative outcomes because in most cases, individuals are not making efforts to accommodate other people’s needs.
This theory is very appropriate for the identified problem of ineffective communication in nurse-patient interaction. As noted by Gallois and Giles (2015), patients tend to ask questions regarding their health, and the ability of the nurse or care provider to be accommodative determines whether such questions are tolerated or not. Patients are usually concerned about their health and more than often, they ask their care providers questions that may influence their health outcomes, based on how the questions are answered. For instance, if a patient in a critical condition asks a question regarding their health to a nurse who answers without empathy, the patient may conclude that they might not recover, which will affect their recovery process. As Gallois and Giles (2015) indicate, having an accommodative stance ensures that one is mindful of other people’s needs. As such, nurses can adopt the convergence way of accommodation because it will enable them to be more empathetic with their patients, and thus enhance effective interpersonal communication.
History of the Theory’s Origins
The theory was proposed in 1970 with the aim of explaining the dynamics in terms of relations between people interacting in different contexts (Gallois& Giles, 2015). It sorts to determine what motivates people to change their language or dialect in an attempt to be friendly to others. Initially, it was known as the speech accommodation theory, focusing on interpersonal communication, but was later expanded to include intergroup communication (Gallois& Giles, 2015). This expansion was meant to explore the interaction between people in different groups such as ethnic and professional groups. The theory has undergone several changes, from addressing intercultural and intergenerational communication, to being applied in other professional contexts such as health and organizational context (Dragojevic, Gasiorek, & Giles, 2016).
Previous Application of the Theory
There are a number of contexts in which the communication accommodation theory has been applied. Gallois and Giles (2015) examine some of the contexts in which the theory has been applied. One of the ways through which the theory has been applied is in intercultural communications. The world is made up of different cultures that possess different values, traditions, and languages. The theory h...