Conclusion

My ‘Communication in Health’ journey educated me on the most effective methods of communication.  Overall, the most challenging aspects of this task, was reflecting and finding profession specific situations in which I could relate to the communication skills taught within the required word limit. This experience has provided me with the opportunity to revisit previously acquired knowledge and cement information learnt in this unit, which was the most rewarding aspect. I was able to apply communication skills to various situations and see the practicality of it. Overall it was an enjoyable and educational experience.

An important aspect taught is this unit is learning different communication styles and self-reflection through the Johari window. I was not aware communication styles could be classified and it has allowed me to better understand myself and other people’s communication styles. I am positive this knowledge will assist me in communicating with others in my professional and personal life.

Additionally, I have learnt the importance of empathy and the way sympathy differs. I was initially unaware that there was a significant difference. However, I now know what it means to feel with a person as opposed to feel for a person.  I will keep this in mind when consulting patients and colleagues, and apply it in my own personal life.

Finally I have this unit has taught me various interviewing techniques and communication skills that I was previously unaware of. As a consequence I now may apply these skills in my everyday life to improve my social skills. In addition these skills will assist in communicating effectively in my profession. Therefore this unit was beneficial and effective in teaching communication.

Managing Motivation

In order to provide a good health service to patients, as a podiatrist I must strive to keep motivated. This may be achieved by self-reflection and the implementation of certain strategies. This will ultimately result in better results and overall improved consumer satisfaction (Mitchell, 1973).

An understanding of motivation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ypBzW7uKq4

Written Communication

To avoid legal cases, misunderstandings and misconduct it is essential that I document all that is necessary. This will clarify possible misunderstandings resulting in a more professional service and overall workforce (Horner, 2004).

Management Styles & Conflicts

If conflict arises between health professionals or even with a patient, there are strategies that may be implemented to resolve these conflicts. Effective management styles where the employee is valued results in higher job satisfaction, ultimately providing patients with better services (Safi & Kolahi, 2016).

Interprofessional Teams

An Inter professional team is a collaboration of many health professions in order to discuss and achieve the best decisions and interventions. Other health professionals may provide appropriate insights on patients that is relevant in making decisions. Ultimately the best outcome is achieved that leaves all parties satisfied (Deneckere et al., 2013).

An inter professional team working together

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niqKLFd2pTs

Image result for working in an interprofessional team

Communication & Disability

When communicating with patients that may have a visual, hearing, or intellectual impairment, it is necessary to implement appropriate strategies in order for effective communication to take place and the satisfaction of all parties involved. There is increasingly more research and strategies developed in order to be able to communicate with the disabled (Achterberg et al., 2013)

Image result for communication and disability

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=communication+sender+channel+receiver&safe=strict&biw=800&bih=555&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiJ7qOv2vTPAhVCp5QKHbvWBOIQ_AUIBigB#safe=strict&tbm=isch&q=communication+and+disability&imgrc=YxGxXw1Fo199VM%3A

 References 
Achterberg, I., Kok, W., & Salentijn, C. S. (2013). A new way of communicating with the severly demented elderly. Caregiving in Dementia,2, 119-129.

Communication & Different Cultural Backgrounds

When communicating with others of a different cultural background, one must take into consideration the different believe systems and barriers there may be when attempted to get a message across. As a podiatrist, in order to give the best service to patients, I must be aware that some patients may have different beliefs and customs when communicating. I will also be prepared to recruit a translator if there is an obvious language barrier. This way all patients will be satisfied and understood (Samovar et al., 2015).

Cultural misunderstandings

Interviewing Skills & Building Therapeutic Relationships

In order to conduct a successful interview, one must include positive interviewing techniques such as smiling, active listening and appropriate tone of voice to name a few. One must also avoid bad techniques such as asking loaded questions and this makes the patient uncomfortable. As a podiatrist effective interviewing techniques will result in the comfort and ease of the patient divulging information and make the overall experience satisfying (Magill et al., 2014). This can be conducted by smiling, having open body posture, validating information to make sure the message was wholly understood

 

The Role of Empathy in Communication

Empathy is an important aspect to have when communicating. It allows one to feel with the person and gives an insight of the experience of another person from their perspective. (Sofronieva, 2012)

Active Listening

Active listening requires the health professional to have full concentration and to be there in the moment (Rost & Wilson, 2013). Active listening will improve understanding between patient and practitioner, thus making the communication more effective. It will result in the patient feeling respected and comfortable in sharing information. This will aid in the decision making to result in the best intervention. Hence, there is an overall better interaction between the podiatrist and patient.

Tips to improve active listening: