Communication Skills in Health and Social Care

Flashcards for review of communication skills in health and social care settings.

Effective Communication

Service practitioners using effective communication skills underpin good quality care and support in health and social care settings.

Verbal Communication Skills

Aspects include pace, willingness to contribute to team working, adapting communication type/method, volume, clarity, empathy, patience, appropriate vocabulary, and tone.

Adapting Communication

Adjusting the type/method of communicating to meet the needs of the service user or the specific situation.

Empathy

Using words that show sensitivity and respect, as well as conveying or showing genuine interest in how another person may be feeling.

Tone

Reflects what we are thinking and feeling and impacts how words are expressed and received.

Pace

The speed at which someone speaks.

Paraverbal Communication

Includes aspects of speech such as tone, pitch, and volume.

Clarity

Sharing information clearly, accurately, and in a way that can be easily understood.

Non-Verbal Communication

Communication without the use of words. Can include facial expressions, gestures and body language

Facial Expression

How we use our faces to communicate, e.g., smiling to indicate approval.

Gestures

How we use parts of our body to communicate, e.g., nodding to show you are listening.

Body Language

How we use our bodies through movement or positioning to communicate, e.g. open arms to welcome someone.

Written Communication

Includes recording tests, typing notes, prescriptions, referrals, and appointment reminders.

Specialist Communication

Includes types like Braille, sign language, Makaton, voice-activated software, use of advocates, and interpreters.

Barriers to Communication

Factors such as patronizing language, tiredness, inappropriate body language, speech difficulties, noisy environments, or language differences that impede effective communication.