Communication in Health and Social Care

COMMUNICATION IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE

TASK 1
Communication based problem in health and social care setting
There are many barriers to communication and that may occur at any stage in the
communication process. In health and social care context, it is vital to emphasize on better
communication so that appropriate services can be delivered to the clients. Thus, in this respect
the present research study has been describing the requirements of communication skills in
HSC. Along with this, focus has been laid on theoretical aspects that supports in encouraging
communication aspects. Along with this, discussion has also been made on factors that
influence the communication process in HSC.
How communication skills are used in health and social care
As a care practitioner, it is essential for the individual to focus on own communication
skills for better service delivery. In health and social care sector, practitioners have to deal with
numerous patients who have different social and cultural values; therefore for such aspect there
must be appropriate communication among people (Moss, 2012). Health care practitioners must
have the ability to communicate in verbal and non-verbal both the languages so that people can
comprehend it. This is also essential for the purpose of avoiding all sorts of misconception and
problems. There should be direct communication among health care practitioners and patients
so that information regarding the treatment can be delivered suitably.
Good communication enables to build healthy relationship with service users and
providers and as a result, it underpins the efficiency of health care aspects. For example – if I
would be working as a health care entity, then I would always ensure that I am maintaining all
the organizational standards. I will also maintain politeness and softness while conversing with
practitioners. Communication skills are also essential so that practitioners can learn new
dimensions and interventions for prominent health care services. Better communication skills is
crucial in development healthy and appropriate relationship with the end users and this can also
promote the efficiency of service provision (Negus and Pickering, 2004). Hence, as a result
more number of people can be attracted towards the services.
Theory that might explain and support intervention in communication
Every health care entity is required to emphasize on proper communication and for that
theoretical aspects needs to be implemented in the workplace setting. Behavioral theory: The theory assumes that appropriate environment should be

developed at workplace so that health care practitioners can maintain their roles and
responsibilities in the best possible manner. It also ascertains the behavior of
employees and accordingly they manage the health care provisions. However, one of
the weaknesses of the described theory is that observation sometimes come from
intrinsic aspects which leads to adoption of different methods under service provision. It
can be applied for the purpose of supporting the value of communication in HSC
(Defining Communication Theories. 2013).
 Cognitive theory: The theory is based on social psychology and it is the psychological
conflict holding from two or more incompatible beliefs. It is useful in managing
disciplinary aspects in HSC. It also assumes that people have challenging behavior;
therefore health care practitioners must focus on maintaining proper relations with each
other. However, one of the major drawbacks of the theory is that people frequently
come in contact with each other due to diversified roles and responsibilities. Thus,
suitable relations can be developed with the help of cognitive theory.
 Social theory: Sociological theory of communication consider social system as self
organizing which also focuses on development of scientific communication. This also
changes the concept of social development; hence efficiency of health care services
can be encouraged.
How various factors influence the communication process in health and social care Social and cultural factors: It has been identified that people give major preference to
social and cultural values and this is also followed in the realm of communication
management. While building direct communication among practitioners and service
users, people have to ensure that cultural values and norms are being adhered. Legal factors: Communication process is highly influenced by legal factors in which
legal framework should be considered on wider extent (Nothhaft, 2010). While
communicating at workplace, concept of equality and diversity should be maintained for
developing interest of people. Similarly, according to legal factors, health care entities
should also emphasize on data protection aspects where in data about each and every
patient should be recorded effectively. Political factors: Political framework states that communication should be clear and
suitable so that proper information can be shared.