Improving Communication in Diverse Health & Social Care Settings

This report delves into the critical role of communication in health and social care settings, examining various communication theories such as Behaviorist, Humanistic, and Cognitive theories and their applications. It highlights the importance of effective communication skills, including verbal, non-verbal, gestural, written, and oral methods, and addresses the consequences of inappropriate interpersonal communication, using a scenario to illustrate the impact of poor communication. Furthermore, the report emphasizes strategies for managing communication barriers related to language and culture, suggesting the use of sign language, gestures, and translators to meet the diverse needs of patients. The overall goal is to promote better understanding and trust between healthcare providers and service users, ultimately enhancing the quality of care.

Communication in
Health and Social care
(TASK 1)

1.1Theories of communication
There are various theories which are concerned with the health and
social care setting. The major theories in this field are Behaviourist,
Humanistic and Cognitive. All the theories have different
assumptions and beliefs.
Behaviourist theory: The first theory of Behaviourist is based on
the assumption that every behaviour emerges from various
responses that have been learnt from different responses.
Humanistic theory: The humanistic theory of communication is
basically based on a belief where it is necessary to have a open
communication between care provider and the client with a
responsibility upon care provider to accept the client as a whole
being without making any judgement.

Cont..
Cognitive theory: The cognitive theory is based on
assumption that a person behaves in a way that he has
learn from its surrounding environment and environmental
factors which have a great impact on their behaviour.

1.2 use of communication
skills
There are generally various ways of communication
through which an effectual communication can be
established between care provider and service user. There
could be verbal, non verbal, gestural, written and oral
(Karanikolos and et.al., 2013). The verbal communication
is generally established while giving training and while
having conversations on telephone. In verbal
communication, it is necessary to considers several things
like vice tone, expression of face, level of pitch etc.

Cont..
In present case, the doctor did not treat well to the couple
and gave facial expression with a disgust feeling. In addition
to this, he did not gave a well treatment and appropriate
diagnosis of Anna. In this place, the doctor must have
diagnosed the lady well without making any judgement
before testing her conditions. He denied to treat her and
giving her a well diagnosis, rather he took her condition
because of alcohol. But, in this place, the doctor must have
communicated in well order to give patience to couple. After
that, he should have checked the condition and in satisfying
way (Koch-Weser and et.al., 2010).

1.3 Dealing with inappropriate interpersonal communication
It is necessary to have the ability of dealing with any
inappropriate interpersonal communication in the health
and social care setting. Any adverse situation can hamper
the effective communication which may also crop up into
misunderstandings (Edelman, C.L., Mandle and Kudzma,
2013). Usually, it is evident in the said profession that
patients use to visit various places to avail the required
treatment. In such cases, generally, there may be the
situations where language and culture can act as a barrier
between both parties.

Cont.
It is very crucial in the HSC that there is a good
understanding between both parties so that the decision
making and trust can be maintained between them
(Kontos and et.al., 2010). The lack of trust can also be a
big barrier in right treatment which can be a risky
situation.

1.4 Use of strategies
Within the health and social care sector, it is necessary to have
knowledge of various strategies for communication that can aid
in meeting needs of patients with diversities (Munn-Giddings
and Winter, 2013). There may be a lot of barriers in
communication that can act as a barrier while dealing with
patients. There can be a language and cultural barriers. In case
of difficulty related to language barrier, the care providers can
take help of sign languages, gestures and also a translator who
can help in understanding each other. In addition to this, person
with hearing impairment can be communicated with sign
language, pictures, lip readings expression etc.

REFERENCES
Andrews, C.M. and et.al., 2013. Social work and implementation of
the Affordable Care Act. Health & Social Work, 38(2), pp.67-71.
Bennett, P., 2010. Risk communication and public health. Oxford
University Press.
Chan, M., 2010. Mental health and development: targeting people
with mental health conditions as a vulnerable group. World
Health Organization.
Creek, J. and Lougher, L., 2011. Occupational therapy and mental
health. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Edelman, C.L., Mandle, C.L. and Kudzma, E.C., 2013. Health
promotion throughout the life span. Elsevier Health Sciences.

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