Interpersonal process analysis

Interpersonal Process Analysis (IPA) is a way to identify patterns in student and patient communication. It is not an intake assessment nor question and answer session but a time to listen and demonstrate caring concern, and a time to recognize and identify a patient’s emerging feelings. IPA is a written record of a segment of the nurse-patient conversation that reflects as closely as possible the verbal, non-verbal, coping, and defense mechanisms utilized during the interaction. IPA has some disadvantages because it relies on memory and is subject to distortions, however, it can be a useful tool for identifying communication patterns. The purpose of the conversation is to give an opportunity to identify and practice communication strategies correctly. Note that the goal is not to solve the patient’s problems but to explore and use interactive therapeutic communication.