1. Developing Effective Communication in Health and Social Care
Unit 1
Developing Effective Communication in Health and Social Care

2. Activity You have 2 minutes!!!!!!
Make a list of all the things you think can create difficulties when you are having a conversation with another person.
You have 2 minutes!!!!!!

3. The difficulties you have identified, what are they called?
BARRIERS Write a definition for a communication barrier. Anything that stops the development of understanding when people interact. Something that disrupts or stops the flow of messages in the communication cycle.

4. Give examples for the following communication barriers
Communication is not being received Communication is received but not understood Understanding is distorted

6. Not responding to the language needs or preferences.
Not understanding sensory impairment or disability.
Environmental barriers.
A person using slang, jargon or professional terminology – the message can be heard but not understood.
A range of emotional or psychological factors can act as a barrier.

7. Name 5 different environmental factors that can influence communication?
Lighting
Noise
Space
Time
Seating
What impact can poor lighting have on communication?
Write down 3 sources of noise that could impact on communication within a care setting.

8. HOW IS THIS CARE ENVIRONMENT A BARRIER TO COMMUNICATION FOR SOME SERVICE USERS?

9. Barriers associated with cultural variation
Acknowledging and responding to the cultural aspects of a persons identity and care needs are strategies that are likely to promote communication. You must consider differences between diet, personal care practices and sleeping arrangements. Also a person’s cultural background can influence their understanding of verbal and non verbal communication. Failing to respond to these cultural variations can lead to misunderstandings.

10. To motion with the index finger to call someone is insulting, or even obscene, in many cultures. Expect a reaction when you beckon to a student from the Middle or Far East; Portugal, Spain, Latin America, Japan, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

11. This hand gesture is considered as the symbol of the devil in many cultures.

12. How might wearing a niqab (face veil) impact on communication with health and social care practitioners?

13. Barriers associated with assumptions
Making assumptions on the basis of stereotypes or prejudices is not a good way of understanding other people’s needs, feelings or circumstances. Assuming almost always leads to misunderstandings that can become a major barrier to effective communication.

14. What assumptions can be made about the following groups of people:
Physically disabled people
People with mental health problems
Homeless people
Teenage mothers
A transsexual person
Someone with a facial disfigurement
Elderly people
How could these assumptions be a barrier to communication?