Enhancing Communication in Health and Social Care: A Training Report

This report provides an overview of communication training within health and social care organizations, emphasizing the importance of both verbal and non-verbal communication. It delves into various communication theories, including humanistic, behaviorist, cognitive, and psychoanalytical approaches, highlighting their application in patient-centered care. The report outlines strategies for effective communication with both service users and professionals, such as using simple language, avoiding jargon, active listening, and cultural sensitivity. It also addresses common barriers to communication, like attitudinal issues, physical disabilities, and cultural taboos, and suggests methods for managing interpersonal conflicts. Furthermore, the report details specific strategies for supporting individuals with visual, intellectual, and hearing impairments, including the use of Braille, clear speech, and sign language. The importance of maintaining patient confidentiality and obtaining informed consent is also emphasized, referencing privacy laws and ethical considerations for information sharing.

Communicati
ng in a health
and social
care

Training on communication
Two components of
communication-verbal and
non verbal
The training should
initiate with the
introduction of the means
of communication.
Training the staffs how to
identify the facial
expressions of the patient
and to guess his/her needs
by intuition.
Cultural sensitivity such
as maintaining eye
contact.

Theory of communication
Humanistic theory- This type of
communication is based on the psychological
status of the patient.
Its main element is to provide a patient
centered care.
Behaviorist Theory- This theory is based on
the actions taken on the basis of the changes
in the behavior of a patient(Butts and Rich,
2013).
.

Theory
Cognitive theory-This involves the
development of the communication strategies
on the basis of the cognitive status of the
patient (Butts and Rich, 2013).
Psychoanalytical theory- This theory can be
used to analyze the mood of the patient and
then enhance the interpersonal
communication skills.

Effective communication
Language appropriate for
service users:-
1. Simple English should be
used.
2. Gestures and facial
expressions can be used
to communicate.

Effective communication
Language appropriate for
professionals and purpose:-
Interpretation of the facial
expression (Templeman, and
Keeling, 2013).
Use of an interpreter .
Avoidance of medical jargon.
Maintaining eye contact
Active listening
Use of normal lip movement.
Speaking in a slow and clear
manner.
Sufficient light.
Use of diagrams or written notes.
Use of visual aids if necessary.
(Templeman and Keeling, 2013)

Barriers to communication
Communication in nursing is affected by
several barriers –
Attitudinal barriers can bring about
personality conflict and affect the motivation.
Physical disabilities such as hearing or visual
impairment can affect the nurse patient
communication.
Low staffing can also affect communication.
Cultural taboos and beliefs can also affect
communication.

Dealing with interpersonal and
inappropriate communication
Effective doctor –patient communication or
communication is necessary for a positive health
outcome as it prevents errors and increases patient
satisfaction.
This is also necessary to avoid nurse-patient conflict.
Strategies-
Acknowledging the viewpoint of the patient.
Preservation of the integrity and dignity of the patient
by enabling them to take their own decisions (Arnold
and Boggs 2015).
Maintenance of a proper professional environment
Exhibiting empathy towards the client.

Confidentiality
Securing the patient information in closed
desktops or cabinets.
Consent from the patient regarding the
disclosure of the patient reports.
Abiding by the privacy laws and taking
consent from the patient about whom they
want to share the information.
Avoidance of using the public places like
receptions and the elevators for discussing
patient information.

3 strategies for supporting individuals with
specific communication needs
Patients with visual impairment- Helping out the patient
with glasses.
Braille can be used in case of blindness.
Patient having intellectual disability-
Avoidance of jargon
Speaking directly to the patient.
Showing positive regards or warmth (Keller et al. 2013).
Focusing on the ability of the patient rather than the disability.
Patient having hearing disability-
Slow, distinct, natural mouth movement.
Use of sign languages or written notes.
Facing the person and maintenance of eye contact.
Minimization of extraneous noise at the time of talking.

Reference
Arnold, E.C. and Boggs, K.U., 2015. Interpersonal
Relationships-E-Book: Professional Communication Skills for
Nurses. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Butts, J.B. and Rich, K.L., 2013. Philosophies and theories for
advanced nursing practice. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Keller, K.B., Eggenberger, T.L., Belkowitz, J., Sarsekeyeva, M.
and Zito, A.R., 2013. Implementing successful interprofessional
communication opportunities in health care education: a
qualitative analysis. International journal of medical education,
4, p.253.
Templeman, J. and Keeling, J., 2013. Communication,
interpersonal skills, and decision making. Nursing: Decision-
Making Skills for Practice, p.107.