Communication in Health Setting - Essay Example

HEALTHCARE Healthcare Health care refers to the preservation of physical and mental health by preventing or treating illness through services offered by the health profession while social care refers to social insurance for the ill and those who are injured or those with needs arising from illness, disability, age, and poverty. Communication in the health and social care sectors takes place between senders of the message which in this case represent people working in health and social care environment, the government and sector bodies. The receivers are the public and work colleagues. Theories are well substantiated explanations that explain specific set of phenomena or beliefs that can guide behavior. Some of the theoretical models applicable to communication in the health and social care are cognitive and stage step theories. Cognitive theories suggest that certain set of beliefs or perception will predict a behavior. And it encompasses theory of planned behavior and health belief model. Stage step theory proposes that a person experience change via series of stages. It encompasses Tran’s theoretical model, process of behavior change and communication- persuasion matrix. Theory of planned behavior suggests that the closest determinant of behavior is the intention to demonstrate or not to demonstrate that behavior. Intention in this case is determined by three factors which include attitude towards the behavior, subjective norm which entails social pressure that is peers, family or media and finally perceived behavioral control, that is the perception an individual has about their to perform the behavior (Pollard, Miers & Gilchrist, 2004). This theory is normally applied in the context of predicting and understanding behavior. It’s widely used in promotion of blood donation behaviors, exercise motivation, and dental floss behavior. Health belief model on the other hand postulates that an individual’s behavior can be predicted based on their perceived vulnerability. Vulnerability is represented risk that is perceived susceptibility and severity or seriousness of the consequences. The two variables are key to any decision making process. For behavior change to occur there factors that need to be in place which include, an incentive, risk of continuing the present behavior, belief that the change will have benefits and self-efficacy adopt change in their behavior. It has been utilized to predict preventive health behaviors such as vaccination, dietary behaviors, and sexual behaviors Trans theoretical model propose that individuals change their behavior at certain stages in life rather than making one whole major change in their lives. This model is based on the assumption that people are at various levels of readiness to adopt change. The change process goes through the following cycle, precontemplation to contemplation to preparation to action to maintenance and finally to relapse where they revert to their former behavior and drop the changes. It’s widely used in targeting intervention programs. Communication skills in health and social care are demonstrated in the various forms of communication which include verbal/ oral communication and verbal communication. In the oral bit the skills can be demonstrated through clear speech, selection of appropriate language, non- discriminatory use of language, age-appropriate language, tone, and pitch of the voice and active listening skills. Skills in the non-verbal communication include maintaining good posture, appropriate facial expressions, maintaining eye contact, appropriate use of gestures, non-threatening use of body language, and appropriate use of personal space and touch. Inappropriate interpersonal communication can be describes as the barriers that hinder communication between individuals. Methods that would be appropriate in dealing with these barriers include use of formal language and avoid slang. Use touch respectfully and appropriately for example comforting hug. Avoid threatening body language and maintain a friendly tone that will not scare people. Users of services by health and social care sectors can be well taken care of by developing strategies that will address the client needs regardless of their physical ability. This may involve the use of alternative use of communication to include the visually impaired, hearing impaired and people with learning disabilities. This may include the use of braille for the blind, sign language for the hearing impaired and use of simple form of communication that enhances understanding to all for example the use of pictures. This can be easily interpreted across the divide. During communication, there are instances where cultural beliefs and values have played a role in determining the exchange of information between individuals. This is mostly observed when using body language to communicate. Communication process involves the senders, the information, and the receivers. Cultural practices determine the type of language in use. The use of some words can be considered a taboo. There cultures which also do not permit handshake and this can hinder communication. Some cultures also disregard women. This can hinder information between a woman staff and clients whose cultures disregard women. Legislation, charters, and codes of practice are also known to impact on the communication process in the health and social care sector. These refer to the law, rules, and regulations guiding the operations of these systems or institutions. Bureaucracy which brings about the long and unnecessary procedures tends to slow down communication and can delay decision making. Codes of practice also promote good working relationship between the subordinate staff and the managers. It enhances the use of formal language between staff and clients and among staff themselves. It also instills respect between the staff and clients because the laws outline the penalties that one can face in the case of an abuse or infringement of rights and freedoms. Organization systems can refer to organizational structure from management to the subordinate staff. Policies are the guidelines that guide the operations of the organization. The organization structure enhances systematic flow of information form the managers to the staff, commonly known as vertical communication this aid in giving instructions to the employees. Communication process can be improved in a variety of ways in the health and social care setting. To do this the senders which in this case are the providers need to sharpen their communication skills to ensure right message is delivered to the receivers, appropriate medium that is easy to interpret need to be used for easy decoding of the information by receivers. ICT is a very vital aspect in service delivery in the health and social care setting. Some of the software and packages in use in the health and social care include presentation software, spreadsheets, data bases, word processing, mails the internet and video and web conferencing. All these are essential in processing and analyzing the data involved in the sector. The use of ICT is beneficial to the users of services provided by the health and social care, car workers and care organizations. Technology has helped develop [patient’s portal where they can view their information. Technology has also enhanced speed of access to information. Technology has also assisted in meeting individual’s needs especially those with special needs. Security of information belonging to the clients, employees and the organization is safely kept. Technology has also reduced burden to the customer service staff as clients can now access e-medicine patient self-help. There are legal considerations in the use of ICT and this has significantly impacted on health and social care. Some of the legal considerations include Data Protection Act 1998 which emphasizes on the proper handling of clients information. It deals with data protection issues and accuracy and reliability of data input. Access of Health records act which provide guidelines on access to information and finally Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 which provide guidelines on the welfare of employees while at work. It ensures there are no repetitive strain injuries, postural problems, and visual fatigue from the continuous use of computers. Reference Pollard, K. C., Miers, M. E., & Gilchrist, M. (2004). Collaborative learning for collaborative working? Initial findings from a longitudinal study of health and social care students. Health & Social Care in the Community, 12(4), 346-358. Read More