Roadblocks are communication behaviours that have the effect of stopping or temporarily halting a meaningful dialogue. Typically they occur in a two person communication situation when one person is really not listening. The non-listener responds in such a way as to create a negative feeling in the other person. Roadblocking responses often express a feeling experienced by the responder rather than reflecting the feelings of the other person, as should occur in effective listening. In health care settings roadblocking communication is not uncommon, often originates in the health professional and may result in a range of feelings for the client, such as dissatisfaction, confusion, isolation and even a feeling of being put down.
Roadblocks can deprive the client of control and dignity.
Many people may be unaware that they are using a roadblock as they respond to a client and are even less aware that such behaviours create dysfunctional communication. Part of learning how to avoid putting up roadblocks is to learn how to recognise them. Using the package For each of the vignettes in the Caring Communication package, there is a set of notes which includes a description of the vignette, references to associated readings and activities and questions to be completed during or after watching the video. An example worksheet is presented in Table 1. Although the nurse hears what the patient says she does not listen effectively.