Comunicación en Educación para a Saúde

Communication in Health Education

• Communication is a process where a sender wants to connect with a receiver to achieve a goal.
• Communication involves a sender, a message, a channel, a code and a receiver.
• The sender transmits a message through a channel using a code that the receiver interprets.
• Verbal communication utilizes language. Nonverbal communication uses cues like facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice.
• Verbal communication is categorized into oral (spoken words) and written (written words).
• Nonverbal communication includes paralinguistics (tone of voice, pauses), kinesics (body language), proxemics (personal space), and more.
• Effective communication relies on the sender and receiver using the same code and understanding the context of the message.

Barriers to Communication

• Psychological/social barriers stem from personality conflicts, differences in culture or values, lack of empathy, or power imbalances.
• Semantic barriers result from unclear language or misinterpreted terms.
• Physical barriers concern with distractions like noise, poor lighting, or distance.

Factors that Improve Communication

• Consistency between verbal and nonverbal cues
• Assertive and empathetic behaviour
• Active listening (including paraphrasing)
• Supportive environment
• Addressing diversity
• Clear questions and responses
• Appropriate volume, pacing, and emphasis

Persuasive Communication Model

• Persuasive communication aims to change attitudes and behaviors.
• It includes elements like effective transmission of truthful information, clear and accessible presentation, and focus on the receiver's background/experiences.
• This model emphasizes appropriate context and repeated messages to influence attitudes long-term.

Pragmatic Communication Model

• This model for health education emphasizes adjusting communication to the context and needs of the receiver.
• Active listening, empathy, understanding their perspective, and adaptation are crucial components.

Meaningful Learning

• Meaningful learning in health education involves connecting new information to prior knowledge and experiences, rather than rote memorization.
• Successful learning is connected to the receiver's existing knowledge and motivation.
• This approach acknowledges the strengths prior knowledge or experiences, and develops new insights and practical applications.

Role of the Educator

• Educators should prepare for sessions by planning activities and materials, and adapting to the specific group.
• Effective educators clarify material using clear language and examples, considering the group's needs.
• They should establish appropriate environment and tone in the meeting.
• Key educator qualities include empathy, active listening, and managing group dynamics.