Unit 1 Introduction to Communication in Health Social Care

Unit 1 Introduction to Communication in Health and Social Care

Learner’s Name

Questions
Answers
1.1 - Identify the different reasons people communicate

To express needs; to share ideas and information; to reassure; to express feelings; to build relationships; socialize; to ask questions; to share experiences. People communicate in order to establish and maintain relationships with others, to give and receive information and instructions, to understand and be understood, to share opinions, knowledge, feelings, emotions, to give encouragement and show others they are valued.
1.2 - Explain how effective communication affects all aspects of the learner’s work

Effective communication is important as it ensures that information is: clear, concise, accurate, non-judgmental, and informative. This reduces the possibility of mistakes being made, and ensuring appropriate care service delivery.
1.3 - Explain why it is important to observe an individual’s reactions when communicating with them

It is important to observe individual’s reactions when communicating; as it informs me as to how they are feeling at the time. They may be upset, and need reassurance, they may be confused, and not understanding what is being said, they may be agitated, and need time to ‘cool down’.
3.1 - Identify barriers to effective communication

Physical barriers: Doors that are closed, walls that are erected, and distance between people all work against the goal of effective communication. Perceptual barriers: If you go into a situation thinking that the person you are talking to isn’t going to understand or be interested in what you have to say, you may end up subconsciously sabotaging your effort to make your point. Emotional barriers: People often pick up on insecurity. By believing in yourself and what you have to say, you will be able to communicate clearly without becoming overly involved in your emotions. Cultural barriers: Different cultures, whether they be a societal culture of a race or simply the work culture of a company, can hinder developed communication if two different cultures clash. Language barriers: When someone speaks a different language or uses sign language, they may not be able to understand what the other person is trying to say. Gender barriers: have become less of an issue in recent years, but there is still the possibility for a man to misconstrue the words of a woman, or vice versa. Men and women tend to form their thoughts differently, and this must be taken into account when communicating. Interpersonal barriers: are what ultimately keep us from reaching out to each other and opening ourselves up, not just to be heard, but to hear others. Oddly enough, this can be the most difficult area to change. Some people spend their entire lives attempting to overcome a poor self-image or a series of deeply rooted prejudices about their place in the world.
3.4 - Identify sources of information and support or services to enable more effective communication

I can use a translation service to help translate written language to another .e.g Google translation service and other commercial services online. I can employ the services of an interpreter to convert spoken language to another language. I can use a specialized speech and language support services designed to support people who have speech impairment or who has stroke. I can also use the services of an advocator to support people who are unable to speak up for themselves. This service is designed to study and understand the needs and preferences of people and act of on their behalf.
4.1 - Explain the term ‘confidentiality’

Confidentiality is the protection of personal information. Confidentiality means not sharing information about people without their knowledge and agreement, and ensuring that written and electronic information cannot be accessed or read by people who have no reason to see it.
4.3 – Describe situations where information normally considered to be confidential might need to be passed on.

If you are hired in a position of a care giver and your patient must be transferred to another's care the patient's information could be passed along to them. If someone has a court order or a subpoena for the information you may pass it on. In most medical situations the patient signs permission for their information to be passed along to whatever financial institution (insurance company) may need it so that the physician or hospital may get paid for services.
4.4 - Explain how and when to seek advice about confidentiality

Confidentiality is essential in health care to improve trust and working relationships between clients and the staff. Certain information is however shared among the team if it is needed to effectively support clients and others involved in their care, when you are unsure speak to senior support workers or management but keep it within the workplace & be professional about it.

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