Communication in a Health, Social Care or Social Work Context

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
Y/507/1935
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
24 hours

Assessment Guidance

Learners can demonstrate the oral and written communication skills required for Learning Outcomes 2 and 3 through simulation. They are not required to speak in a health, social care or social work setting or to produce documents for actual use. However, learners must be given the opportunity to communicate in a realistic health, social care or social work context, for example through the use of scenarios and role play.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand effective communication in a health, social care or social work context.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Explain the principles of effective communication in a health, social care or social work context, including reference to confidentiality and individual communication preferences.

    1.1 Principles of effective communication, for example:

    • active listening
    • showing empathy
    • clarity, accuracy, appropriateness of language
    • respecting individual preferences/cultural differences
  • 1.2

    Describe effective methods for communicating with colleagues and with service users.

    1.2 Effective methods for communicating, for example:

    • verbal communication, for example, tone of voice
    • non-verbal communication, for example, body language, eye contact
  • 1.3

    Describe common barriers to effective communication in a health, social care or social work context, and ways to overcome them.

    1.3 Common barriers to effective communication, for example:

    physical

    1. hearing loss
    2. speech impairment

    emotional

    1. anxiety
    2. trauma

    environmental

    1. noise
    2. lack of privacy
2

Be able to use oral communication effectively in a health, social care or social work context.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Use appropriate forms of oral communication for different purposes in a health, social care or social work context, adjusting tone and register, as appropriate.

    2.1 Forms of oral communication for different purposes, for example:

    • one-to-one conversations
    • handover/team meetings
    • giving instructions/reassurance
    • speaking formally with professionals/Informally with service users
  • 2.2

    Apply relevant skills, including use of non-verbal communication, to communicate with different people in a health, social care or social work context.

    2.2 Non-verbal communication, for example:

    • gestures
    • facial expressions
    • posture
    • use of visual aids 
    • digital technologies
3

 Be able to use written communication effectively in a health, social care or social work context.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Select and use appropriate forms of written communication for different purposes in a health, social care or social work context.

    3.1 Written communication, for example:

    • care notes
    • records
    • emails
    • information leaflets
  • 3.2

    Produce documents relating to health, social care or social work that are clearly and accurately presented and appropriate for the intended audience.

    3.2 Documents relating to health, social care or social work, for example:

    • shift handover note
    • emails