Slide 1: Front Page

The Role of Communication in Healthcare and Social Care Practice

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Slide 2: Introduction

This Presentation Will Cover:

 Definition and importance of communication.

 Key types of communication (verbal and non-verbal).

 The significance of communication in health and social care settings.

 Common barriers to communication and strategies to overcome them.

 Conclusions based on findings.

Slide 3: Definition of Communication

Fatimayin (2018) defines communication as “the process of exchanging information,

ideas, and feelings through verbal or non-verbal means.”

Van Ruler (2019) describes it as “the process by which individuals create shared

meaning,” emphasizing the importance of interaction and understanding.

Comparison of Definitions

Most definitions agree on the exchange of ideas as central to communication

(Fatimayin, 2018; Van Ruler, 2019).

 Van Ruler’s perspective expands on this by highlighting the creation of shared

meaning, which challenges a purely transactional view (Van Ruler, 2019).

Theoretical Frameworks

Linear Model of Communication: Communication is a one-way process where the

sender transmits a message to the receiver, as illustrated in the linear model (Fatimayin,

2018).

Transactional Model: Communication as a two-way process where individuals

simultaneously act as senders and receivers (Iedema et al., 2019).

Slide 4: Types of Communication

 Verbal Communication:

o Involves spoken words, tone, and clarity, critical for expressing ideas clearly

(Ratna, 2021).

o Example: Giving patient instructions during a discharge process.

o Importance: Ensures accurate information transfer and avoids misunderstandings

(Ratna, 2021).

 Non-Verbal Communication:

o Encompasses body language, facial expressions, and gestures to complement

verbal communication (Iedema et al., 2019).

o Example: Maintaining eye contact to show attentiveness to a patient.

o Importance: Conveys empathy and builds rapport, particularly in sensitive

situations (Iedema et al., 2019).

 Written Communication:

o Includes formal documentation, emails, and reports to record and share

information (Fatimayin, 2018).

o Example: Writing patient progress notes or communicating test results via email.

o Importance: Ensures accuracy and provides a reference for future use (Van Ruler,

2019).

 Visual Communication:

o Uses charts, images, and diagrams to enhance understanding (Fatimayin, 2018).

o Example: Using flowcharts to explain a care pathway to a patient.

o Importance: Particularly helpful for visual learners and in simplifying complex

information (Van Ruler, 2019).

Slide 5: Communication in Health and Social Care

 Importance of Communication:

o Effective communication ensures patient safety, builds trust and improves

outcomes (Iedema et al., 2019).

o Facilitates collaboration among healthcare professionals for better decision-

making (Ratna, 2021).

 Example of Poor Communication:

o Case: Miscommunication during a handover in a hospital led to incorrect

medication being administered.

o What Went Wrong?:

 Lack of clarity in verbal instructions.

 No written documentation to confirm the details.

 o Impact: The patient’s condition worsened, leading to delayed recovery and

eroded trust (Iedema et al., 2019).

 Lessons and Recommendations:

o Lessons:

 Clear, structured handovers are essential.

 Written records must support verbal instructions.

o Recommendations:

 Implement standardized handover protocols (Ratna, 2021).

 Use checklists and encourage feedback to ensure understanding (Iedema et

al., 2019).

Barriers to Communication

 Types of Barriers

o Physical:

 Examples: Noise, hearing impairments, or language differences (Ratna,

2021).

 Impact: Misinterpretation of critical information.

o Psychological:

 Examples: Anxiety, stress, or mental health challenges (Iedema et al.,

2019).

 Impact: Reduces the ability to focus or engage effectively.

o Social:

 Examples: Cultural differences, stereotypes, or power dynamics

(Fatimayin, 2018).
  Impact: Misunderstandings or reluctance to communicate openly.

 Focus on Psychological Barriers:

o Stress and anxiety can prevent service users from articulating their needs (Iedema

et al., 2019).

o Example: A patient under stress may forget to mention key symptoms.

 Strategies to Overcome Psychological Barriers:

o Active Listening: Demonstrates empathy and builds trust (Ratna, 2021).

o Create a Safe Environment: Ensure a quiet, private space for communication.

o Use Plain Language: Avoid medical jargon to reduce confusion (Van Ruler,

2019).

Conclusion

Summary of Key Findings:

 Communication involves exchanging ideas, building trust, and understanding.

 Linear and Transactional Models explain one-way and interactive communication.

 Verbal, non-verbal, written, and visual forms are vital for safety and collaboration in

healthcare.

 Poor communication causes negative outcomes, emphasizing clear and structured

methods.

 Barriers like psychological challenges can be mitigated through active listening and plain

language.

Key takeaways:

o Communication theories underpin effective interactions in health and social care.

o Applying these theories improves outcomes and relationships.

 o Ongoing refinement of communication methods is crucial for quality care.

Ghh

Reference list

Abed, L.G., Abed, M.G. and Shackelford, T.K. (2023). Interpersonal Communication Style and
Personal and Professional Growth among Saudi Arabian Employees. International Journal of
Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(2), p.910.

Fatimayin, F.F. (2018). What is Communication? [online] ResearchGate. Available at:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337649561_What_is_Communication.

Iedema, R., Greenhalgh, T., Russell, J., Alexander, J., Amer-Sharif, K., Gardner, P., Juniper, M.,
Lawton, R., Mahajan, R.P., McGuire, P., Roberts, C., Robson, W., Timmons, S. and Wilkinson,
L. (2019). Spoken communication and patient safety: a new direction for healthcare
communication policy, research, education and practice? BMJ Open Quality, [online] 8(3),
p.e000742. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjoq-2019-000742.

Ratna, H. (2021). Edition 23 – The Importance of Effective Communication in Healthcare

Practice - BCPHR Journal. [online] BCPHR. Available at: https://bcphr.org/23-article-ratna/.

Ruler, B. van (2019). Communication Theory: an Underrated Pillar on Which Strategic

Communication Rests. International Journal of Strategic Communication, [online] 12(4),
pp.367–381. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/1553118x.2018.1452240.

Communication Message Channel

Model
Transmission Sender ensures message is Primarily verbal communication
received clearly
Interactional Feedback occurs between sender Verbal, non-verbal, written,
and receiver visual, electronic
Transactional Sender and receiver exchange Verbal, non-verbal, written,
simultaneously visual, electronic