Communication

Case Study: Use and Develop Systems that Promote Communication


Good communication skills and positive interpersonal skills are essential within a health and social care environment, within my role I communicate with others all the time, enabling me to develop strong relationships with people using the service, their families, friends and advocates, which ensures that I can fully understand and meet their needs, and share information by providing and receiving information. On a day to day basis I cultivate positive relationships through effective communication with work colleagues, team members and other professionals in multi disciplinary teams, GP's Social Workers, Therapists and Commissioners for example.

In order to support effective communication within my job role I need to have a good understanding and practical application of the communication cycle which incorporates skills in being able to organise a conversation and keep it going, applying active listening skills to check understanding and know how to ask questions effectively.   I will rely both on verbal and non verbal messages and indicators and have awareness and understanding of individuals cultural differences.

In order to promote positive communication outcomes I feel it is important to put a person at their ease and show interest in and respect for them or their opinion/viewpoint. Dependent on the topic of conversation or situation it may be required that communication takes place on a one to one basis, in privacy, supervision or personal/sensitive issues, or alternatively group communication, maybe a staff Team Meeting supports ensuring that everyone hears the same communication at the same time so as mixed messages or misinterpretation can be clearly clarified and everyone is encouraged to have their say or raise a point. As a Care Manager   I am alert to situations where I need to adopt either Formal or Informal communication methods, certainly when dealing with professionals, such as...