In this assignment I am going to be explaining the role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in a health and social care context. I am also going to discuss the theories of communication and assess the role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in health and social care with reference of theories to communication.
Communication – communication is when people transfer information using verbal communication (speaking face to face, on the telephone or TV and radio) nonverbal communication (body language, the way you dress) and written communication (letters and posters) and alternative communication (using facial expressions, symbols and pictures) which help people with severe speech and language difficulties express themselves. http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/communication.html There are many different types of communication, the main types are verbal communication, nonverbal communication, written communication and alternative communication. Verbal communication is speaking to someone face to face or over the phone, it’s using your voice to share information with another person. Nonverbal communication is when people communicate without words, you can express yourself in how you dress which can be noticed by others around you. Body language is also a vital part of nonverbal communication e.g. crossing your arms may suggest you are mad and looks negative. Written communication is when you communicate through letters, emails, posters or texting. Written communicating is becoming more popular as technology is developing as people now find it quicker to send a text message or email than speak to somebody over the phone. Finally , alternative communication which helps people with severe speech or language difficulties by using gestures, symbols, pictures or colours to express themselves. There are picture boards and other electronic devise to help develop this type of communication which can increase social interaction. http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/AAC/
Effective communication is crucial in a health and social care environment as the patient or resident needs to have a clear understanding with the member of staff so that the patient can receive the best possible care. It can minimise the number or mistakes that can possibly happen during the time that they are being cared for. Good communication will also help when the patients’ needs aren’t clearly stated and it can also ease any anxiety that the patients might have.
Interactions are positive as they can help people communicate and express themselves, whether it’s on a one-one basis or in a group. In positive interactions both of the people benefit from them e.g. in a care home the carer may gain information about how that patient/resident is feeling and the patient/resident gets to express how they feel to somebody they can trust.
One – one interactions helps people express themselves more clearly and openly, especially if they know the person well. It benefits the person as they are able to express stuff that they may not feel comfortable saying in front of a group and it helps the care worker to know how they feel about certain issues that may arise, to do this care workers ask many open questions to get as much information as possible, which is beneficial as the workers can get a clearer understanding by summarising the situation. In a health and social care setting one-one interactions are used between colleagues, the people who use care services and their relatives.
Group interaction can be positive as they can be supportive and encouraging. People learn how to cooperate with each other and take it in turns to listen and speak without dominating the conversations which could be a negative effect. Effective members of the group respond positively which could benefit others as it makes them feel more confident in group situations.
Communication is important in building trusting relationships, the