Analysing Communicating in Health and social care organisations Assignment

Communicating in Health and social care organisations
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Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 3
LO 1: Exploring ways in which communication skills are used in health and social care.............3
AC 1.1 Applying relevant theories of communication in health and social care contexts.............3
AC 1.2 Using communication skills in a health and social care context.......................................4
AC 1.3 Reviewing methods of dealing with inappropriate interpersonal communication between
individuals in a health and social care setting..............................................................................4
AC 1.4 Analysing use of strategies for supporting users of health and social care services with
specific communication needs.....................................................................................................5
LO 2: Understanding the influence of various factors on the communication process in a health
and social care setting.................................................................................................................6
AC 2.1 Explaining the influence of values and cultural factors on the communication process....6
AC 2.2 Explaining the impact of legislation, charters an codes of practice on the communication
process in a health and social care setting..................................................................................6
AC 2.3 Analysing effectiveness of organisational systems and policies for promoting good
practice in communication...........................................................................................................7
AC 2.4 Suggesting ways for improving communication process in a health and social care
setting.......................................................................................................................................... 7
LO 3: Exploring use of information and communication technology (ICT) in health and social
care............................................................................................................................................. 8
AC 3.1 Accessing and using standard ICT software packages to support work in a health and
social care setting........................................................................................................................ 8
AC 3.2 Assessment of the benefits of using ICT in health and social care for users of services,
care workers and care organisations...........................................................................................9
AC 3.3 Analysing legal considerations in the use of ICT and its impact on health and social care
setting.......................................................................................................................................... 9
Conclusion................................................................................................................................. 10
Reference List........................................................................................................................... 11
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Introduction
Communication is the medium that allows logical interaction between people so that a rational
conclusion can be drawn upon. The need for effective communication is paramount in a health
and social care setting due to its major implications for understanding the needs of users. The
current assignment uses the issue of communication in Cromwell hospital and helps in
identifying problems and explaining the various methods that can improve overall
communication for better treatment. The use of information and communication technology
(ICT) in a health care setting and its utilisation is also defined through the study.
LO 1: Exploring ways in which communication skills are used in health and social care
AC 1.1 Applying relevant theories of communication in health and social care contexts
According to Hart and Bond (2015), the relevance of communication is extremely high in a
health and social care setting since proper communication helps in quick identification of issues
so that relevant steps of cure can be provided at the earliest. In the context of Cromwell
hospital, the communication theories that were mostly adopted included Social cognitive theory
(SCT) and Behavioural theory. The implications of these theories were prominent due to the
patients being from overseas, especially the Middle East.
Figure 1: Social Cognitive Theory
(Source: Beck et al., 2015, p.25)
The use of Social Cognitive Theory allowed the hospital to understand that language barrier
would be a problem when dealing with users from the Middle East. The use of the theory helped
in understanding that the environmental factor of being in a new place would impact their
behaviour and the cognition abilities of the users. Interaction being the vital key issue in this
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regard. The users in the hospital tried their level best in giving proper care and treatment the
users but were let down by the improper communication that was due to language differences.
Figure 2: Operant Conditioning factors
(Source: Elder et al., 2015, p.280)
The other theory that could be linked with this was the Operant Conditioning by B.F Skinner.
This was another theory based on behaviourist theory of learning. The theory generally
discusses that human behaviour must be understood by looking into the causes of an issue and
the possible consequences on individuals.This theory clearly exemplifies the factors regarding
actions and consequences and it undoubtedly helped the hospital employees in assessing their
linguistic skills and the attitude of staff to deliver the best treatment possible. The hospital
capably delivered quality service to the foreign users despite some interaction issues. Lowes
and Hulatt (2013) argued that improper communication can sometimes result in the wrong
diagnosis which in turn impacts the actual prognosis resulting in fatal consequences for users.
Keeping this factor in perspective, I found that I did lack the skill of perceiving information
properly. Considering the employees required being adept and quick in decision making, I was
found to be wanting in this aspect. However, my interaction skills were up to standards as I
could communicate well among the focus group in discussing issues.
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