Introduction to communication in health, social care or children’s and young people’s settings

Unit aim

This unit is aimed at those who work in health or social care settings or with children or young people in a wide range of settings. The unit introduces the central importance of communication with a range of people in such settings, and ways to reduce barriers to communication.

It also addresses the issue of confidentiality.

Outcome 1 Understand why communication is important in the work setting

The learner can:

1. identify different reasons why people communicate

2. explain how effective communication affects all aspects of own work

3. explain why it is important to observe an individual’s reactions when communicating with them.

Outcome 2 Be able to meet the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of individuals

The learner can:

1. find out an individual’s communication and language needs, wishes and preferences

2. demonstrate communication methods that meet an individual’s communication needs, wishes and preferences

3. show how and when to seek advice about communication.

Outcome 3 Be able to reduce barriers to communication

The learner can:

1. identify barriers to communication

2. demonstrate how to reduce barriers to communication in different ways

3. demonstrate ways to check that communication has been understood

4. identify sources of information and support or services to enable more effective communication.

Outcome 4 Be able to apply principles and practices relating to confidentiality at work

The learner can:

1. explain the term ‘confidentiality’

2. demonstrate confidentiality in day to day communication, in line with agreed ways of working

3. describe situations where information normally considered to be confidential might need to be passed on

4. explain how and when to seek advice about confidentiality.