GST 111 Communication in Healthcare PDF

English Unit General Studies Division Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun Course Title:Communication in English Course Code:GST 111 Topic: Speaking Skills in Medical/Healthcare Communication Duration: 2 Hours 4.1 Introduction Effective communication is the cornerstone of quality hea...

English Unit General Studies Division Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun Course Title:Communication in English Course Code:GST 111 Topic: Speaking Skills in Medical/Healthcare Communication Duration: 2 Hours 4.1 Introduction Effective communication is the cornerstone of quality healthcare. Speaking skills play a crucial role in medical communication, enabling healthcare professionals to convey complex information to patients, families, and colleagues (Berger, 2017). Effective communication facilitates accurate and timely information exchange, critical for informed decision-making in patient care. Conversely, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, misdiagnoses, and decreased patient satisfaction.This lecture note emphasizes the importance of speaking skills in healthcare communication and offers practical tips for healthcare students to enhance their communication abilities. 4.2 Learning Objectives By the end of this lecture, students should be able to: a.understand the importance of speaking skills in health care communication; b.identify effective speaking strategies for health care contexts; and c. apply principles of clear and concise communication to improve patient care. 4.3 Content 4.3.1 Definition of Speaking Skills in Healthcare Speaking skills in healthcare communication refer to the ability to convey information, ideas, and instructions clearly, concisely, and empathetically, while considering the audience's level of understanding, cultural background, and emotional state. 4.3.2 Components of Speaking Key components of speaking include: a. Clarity: Expressing ideas in a straightforward and concise manner. b. Accuracy: Conveying correct information using proper grammar and vocabulary. c. Fluency: Delivering speech smoothly at an appropriate pace. d. Engagement: Using body language, eye contact, and vocal variation to connect with the audience. 4.3.3 Importance of Speaking Skills Effective speaking skills are vital in healthcare to: a. enhance patient understanding and adherence to treatment plans; b. build trust and rapport, improving patient satisfaction and outcomes; 1 English Unit General Studies Division Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun c. reduce medical errors by ensuring clear communication; d. support patient-centered care by addressing individual preferences and concerns; e. facilitate teamwork and collaboration among healthcare professionals; and f. reduce patient anxiety and stress through empathetic communication. 4.3.4 Strategies for Effective Speaking 4.3.4.1 Verbal Communication Strategies Health care professionals should: a.use a clear and concise tone; b.adjust pitch and volume to convey empathy; c. avoid patronizing language; and d. use pauses to allow processing of information. 4.3.4.2 Non-verbal Communication Strategies Non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions, body language, and gestures, complements verbal communication. Key forms include: a. Kinesics: Body language and facial expressions. b. Paralinguistics: Tone, pitch, and rhythm. c. Chronemics: Timing and pacing. Effective non-verbal communication requires cultural awareness and sensitivity to individual preferences. 4.3.4.3 Verbal and Non-verbal Integration Combining verbal and non-verbal skills enhances communication. Strategies include maintaining eye contact, using open postures, and employing empathetic gestures. 4.3.4.4 Interpersonal Communication Skills Interpersonal communication involves: a. active listening with eye contact and thoughtful responses; b. empathy to demonstrate understanding; and c. conflict resolution to manage difficult interactions. 4.3.5 Technological Communication Skills Technological skills are essential for remote care and collaboration. Key aspects include: a. Telemedicine: Conducting virtual consultations, managing appointments, and maintaining patient confidentiality. 2 English Unit General Studies Division Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun b. Electronic Health Records (EHRs): Documenting patient data, sharing information, and analyzing metrics. Benefits include improved access, reduced errors, and enhanced patient engagement. 4.3.6 Language Use in Healthcare Healthcare professionals should: a. use clear, jargon-free language to enhance understanding; and b. employ empathetic expressions when conveying sensitive information. For example, instead of "The patient has hypertension," say, "The patient has high blood pressure." 4.4 Summary This lecture covered: 1. The importance of speaking skills in healthcare. 2. Verbal and non-verbal communication strategies. 3. Interpersonal communication for patient-centered care. 4. Technological tools for effective communication. 5. Practical tips for clarity, empathy, and pronunciation. By mastering these skills, healthcare professionals can improve patient care and outcomes. 4.5 Activity/Assignment 1. Identify a healthcare scenario where communication is critical and explain why. 2. Develop a script using effective communication strategies discussed in this lecture. 3. Using the developed script, role-play the scenario, and identify the strengths and areas for improvement in communication skills. 4. Research the role of technology in enhancing medical communication. 4.6 Reading/References Berger, J. T. (2017). Communicating effectively with patients. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 35(22), 2531–2535. Hall, J. A. (2018). Non-verbal communication in medical consultations. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(11), 1923–1928. Kaplan, S. H. (2010). Patient-centred communication. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 25(11), 1235–1238. Sarangi, S. (2011). Discourse, culture, and healthcare: A linguistic anthropology perspective. Journal of Linguistic Anthropology, 21(1), 1–15. 3