Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Midwifery (RM)

Developing Interpersonal Relationship with the Client and Family (Establishing Rapport)

A therapeutic relationship enables the woman and family to disclose sensitive information and participate in individualized maternity care. The midwife builds trust through respectful communication, privacy, cultural humility, and reliable follow-through.

Purpose

  • Develop mutual trust and cooperation
  • Reduce anxiety and promote respectful maternity care
  • Support accurate assessment, informed choice, and continuity

Indications

  • First contact or admission
  • A new assessment, procedure, or change in condition
  • A woman or family expressing fear, distress, or unmet needs

Equipment

  • Private welcoming space
  • Current records and care plan
  • Communication or interpretation aids
  • Hand-hygiene supplies
  • Documentation materials

Preparation

  • Review the referral or record and identify an appropriate interpreter or support person.
  • Ensure the woman is physically comfortable and has enough time for questions.

Procedure steps

  • Review available information and prepare a private, calm setting.
  • Greet the woman and family respectfully, introduce yourself and your role, and confirm preferred name and language.
  • Explain confidentiality and the purpose of the interaction; obtain permission before involving family.
  • Use active listening, open questions, empathy, and non-judgmental responses.
  • Assess immediate physical, emotional, social, cultural, safeguarding, and communication needs.
  • Acknowledge concerns, provide information within scope, and agree on the next action with the woman.
  • Use an interpreter or approved communication aid when needed rather than relying on a child.
  • Check understanding, invite questions, and arrange review or referral.
  • Maintain privacy during examination or discussion and preserve the woman’s choices.
  • Document relevant findings, preferences, education, referrals, and agreed plan.

Precautions

  • Protect confidentiality and do not discuss sensitive information where others can hear.
  • Respect autonomy, culture, religion, gender preferences, and the right to refuse.
  • Escalate safeguarding concerns, coercion, violence, severe distress, or communication barriers.
  • Do not promise outcomes or provide advice outside professional scope.

Aftercare

  • Confirm how the woman can request help and who will follow up.
  • Reassess trust and understanding at later contacts rather than assuming rapport is complete.

Nursing considerations

  • Use respectful maternity care and trauma-informed communication.
  • Keep the woman at the centre of decisions while collaborating with the multidisciplinary team.

Patient education

  • Explain available services, rights, confidentiality, and how to raise concerns.
  • Encourage the woman to ask questions and participate in decisions.

Documentation

  • Record the woman’s concerns, preferences, relevant assessment, information shared, consent, and referrals.
  • Document safeguarding or escalation according to policy.

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

Open Component Task app