Communicating with and completing records for individuals in a care setting

Aim

This unit is about communicating effectively and sharing information with and about individuals in a health care setting.

Outcome 1 Identify the skills needed to communicate effectively

1.1 identify the different ways that people communicate

1.2 describe ways of finding out how an individual likes to communicate

1.3 identify the skills needed for effective communication with different individuals.

Outcome 2 Describe own role in supporting individuals to communicate effectively

2.1 identify the reasons why people may find it difficult to communicate

2.2 describe ways of supporting individuals to communicate effectively

2.3 describe what should be done when communication is not effective.

Outcome 3 Agree a personal development plan

3.1 explain why information might need to be shared with others

3.2 describe the different ways that information is shared in the care environment

3.3 explain what is meant by confidentiality in health care

3.4 identify the reasons for keeping, storing and sharing records

3.5 explain how to complete records accurately.

This assignment comprises four tasks. All tasks must be successfully completed to pass this unit.

Task A

Observe an effective communication between two people. This could be a television interview, simulation or an example from your own practice. Identify how the people involved used the following skills:

• positioning and proximity

• use of eye contact

• facial expressions

• gestures

• touch (if applicable)

• use of language

• tone of voice

Task B

1 Identify the information you would need before you communicate with an individual

2 Explain how and where you would find this information

3 Describe other ways to find out about the way an individual likes to communicate

Task C

Choose two individuals you work with who have specific communication needs, such as speaking different languages or who have physical impairments. Making sure that you respect confidentiality, complete the following:

1 Describe each individual’s specific communication needs including:

• the way they prefer to communicate

• factors that affect the way that they communicate

2 Explain how you support both individuals to communicate in the following ways:

a using your verbal and non-verbal skills

b arranging the environment

c using any equipment or aids

3 Describe how the following people can support individuals to communicate and give an example of when each would be needed:

a advocate

b interpreter

Task D

1 In each of the following situations, identify the records you should use to find out or pass on the information needed:

a an individual had a fall but was not hurt.

b an individual has a medical appointment

c how you find out about what an individual’s needs are

d while supporting an individual you notice a skin rash

2 Describe two different ways information could be shared in your work place. For each of these explain how confidentiality is protected. Use the table below to record your answers.

3 Produce a list of guidelines about sharing, storing and recording information in a care setting.

Include:

• why confidentiality is important in health care

• how to complete accurate records.

• individuals’ rights to access information written about them