Deana Fraser 19th December 2014

Use and Develop Systems that Promote Communication – Unit 1
1 Review the range of groups and individuals whose communication needs must be addresses in own job role

Within my role as a care supervisor I am required to communicate with individuals and groups of people I manage and work with directly. Some of the people I will be communicating with are Service users, families, external agencies such as CQC, Health professionals, Social services, doctors and pharmacists.

If I was communicating with a service user or a member of their family I would use informal communication in the way of face to face, telephone, emails or letters. This level of communication would vary on the individual, taking into account age and any medical diagnosis and the preferred way of communication.

If I was communicating with a professional I would be communicating in a formal manner mainly
By verbal communication backed up by email or letter correspondence.

2 Explain how to support effective communication within own job role
Within my role I support and communicate by various methods, this will depend on who I am communicating with i.e. service users, Families, care workers, social workers, doctors, pharmacists.
It is important when talking to clients and their families that I communicate well, ensuring that all communication is personalised to the client and maintain confidentiality at all times. This level of communication is important to support the building of a positive relationship with their care worker and myself.
I would use formal positive communication when communicating with social workers and other professionals, again this communication ensures the positive relationship building between all parties, ensuring confidentiality at all times.
3 Analyse the barriers and challenges to communication within own job role
Some of the main barriers and challenges in communicating with my clients is their medical diagnosis and age. Many of my clients have a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia and this can have a profound effect on the level of communication, their ability to retain, weigh up and respond effectively.
I would assess these barriers on an individual basis and provide a clean effective care plan. These barriers can cause challenges for the care workers and myself in the care we deliver, It is therefore important that I gain as much information as possible, involving the family as much as possible in establishing and implementing the care plan so the best care can be delivered with effective, positive communication.

4 Implement a strategy to overcome communication barriers
When assessing an individual’s situation and implementing an effective plan, you can quickly establish what if anything needs to be done. By effectively doing this you will be able to see any barriers which many arise. When writing a care of plan with an individual or their family/friends you will be able to identify any problems and what they would like to achieve as the outcome. You will them able to communicate effectively with external agencies such as speech therapists, the multi-disciplinary teams. Effective assessments can be carried out and they can be arranged for the necessary aids to be introduced, leaving you to train staff effectively in the client needs.
As a supervisor I have a responsibility to provide the correct level of support for individuals, taking into account their individual communication needs. I will assess their needs by carrying out an individual care plan assessment. In assessing their communication needs I can consider each individual and ensure their needs are met, taking into account any disabilities, a medical diagnosis, impaired eyesight/hearing, foreign speakers, age, sex and preferences in communication techniques and aids. This will be regularly reviewed to ensure all methods are accurate and adequate.
In liaising with external agencies and individuals such as social services,