Unit 1 P5 P6 M3 D2 Be able to communication and interact effectively in a health and social care
environment
Context:
Formal:
Formal communication is used when you are meeting someone for the first time, during a meeting
in a professional environment or whilst interacting with those of a higher authority. For example in a
professional care environment this is likely to be used when conversing with another professional
whom you have never met, or whilst speaking with your superior.
One-to-one:
One to one communication is between two people only, whether it be face to face or via letter or
email etc. This is a very personal form of communication and can make the receiver feel special and
cared for. This happens mostly when a professional meets with a patient to discuss their health, it is
private and shows the patient that they have their attention, that they are what is important. One to
one conversations generally are more relaxed as they begin with friendly introductions and end
positively. This is generally more comfortable to people as some may feel intimidated when placed
in larger groups. One to one communication is more likely to confirm the confidentiality of the
conversation as opposed to being in a group which can also make a patient feel more relaxed and
secure. An example of one to one communication could be when attending a confidential meeting
with a general practitioner or doctor.
Group:
Group communication is made up of a group of people, either those who know each other well and
have been previously acquainted, or those who are just meeting for the first time. This means that
the formality of the discussions could be either formal or informal based on the topic up for
discussion. Group communication is generally only suited to those who feel comfortable in larger
groups, and feel unthreatened by speaking out and voicing their opinions. Most people take on a
different persona during group discussion. Formal groups generally use humour and friendly
welcoming attitudes towards their group to make them feel more comfortable, positioning them in a
circle to make communication open. Most groups will typically have a group leader who will act as
the main speaker and encourage people to discuss and voice their opinions, it also falls to the group
leader to think through points before voicing them, as some things could easily offend or insult
others. These type of discussions are generally less time consuming and help to get a point across
quicker than on a one to one basis. An example of group sessions could be in a care setting in
therapeutic classes.
With professionals and people using services:
Communication between professionals often means they will use technical language, meaning they
work within their own specialised language community. Doctors and nurses for example pose a high
risk of being misunderstood by people using their services, or those from different language
communities. Therefore professionals are aware of the expectation to translate specialised language
so people from other language communities can understand.
With colleagues:
Communication between colleagues requires a respective basis. Whilst working with colleagues
respect and trust needs to be built for a healthy working relationship, this will then lead to a
respective attitude towards those who are using the care service. For example when those who
work in a care setting can respect their colleagues it will lead to a respectful relationship between
themselves and those receiving care. Communication between colleagues differs from
communication between family and friends, as those close to you will often understand you even if
your communication is poor. Communication with a colleague may not necessarily mean it will be
formal. Developing trust, confidentiality and respecting the conversation, being a good listener and
remembering small details about that person will create a respectful working relationship.
environment
Context:
Formal:
Formal communication is used when you are meeting someone for the first time, during a meeting
in a professional environment or whilst interacting with those of a higher authority. For example in a
professional care environment this is likely to be used when conversing with another professional
whom you have never met, or whilst speaking with your superior.
One-to-one:
One to one communication is between two people only, whether it be face to face or via letter or
email etc. This is a very personal form of communication and can make the receiver feel special and
cared for. This happens mostly when a professional meets with a patient to discuss their health, it is
private and shows the patient that they have their attention, that they are what is important. One to
one conversations generally are more relaxed as they begin with friendly introductions and end
positively. This is generally more comfortable to people as some may feel intimidated when placed
in larger groups. One to one communication is more likely to confirm the confidentiality of the
conversation as opposed to being in a group which can also make a patient feel more relaxed and
secure. An example of one to one communication could be when attending a confidential meeting
with a general practitioner or doctor.
Group:
Group communication is made up of a group of people, either those who know each other well and
have been previously acquainted, or those who are just meeting for the first time. This means that
the formality of the discussions could be either formal or informal based on the topic up for
discussion. Group communication is generally only suited to those who feel comfortable in larger
groups, and feel unthreatened by speaking out and voicing their opinions. Most people take on a
different persona during group discussion. Formal groups generally use humour and friendly
welcoming attitudes towards their group to make them feel more comfortable, positioning them in a
circle to make communication open. Most groups will typically have a group leader who will act as
the main speaker and encourage people to discuss and voice their opinions, it also falls to the group
leader to think through points before voicing them, as some things could easily offend or insult
others. These type of discussions are generally less time consuming and help to get a point across
quicker than on a one to one basis. An example of group sessions could be in a care setting in
therapeutic classes.
With professionals and people using services:
Communication between professionals often means they will use technical language, meaning they
work within their own specialised language community. Doctors and nurses for example pose a high
risk of being misunderstood by people using their services, or those from different language
communities. Therefore professionals are aware of the expectation to translate specialised language
so people from other language communities can understand.
With colleagues:
Communication between colleagues requires a respective basis. Whilst working with colleagues
respect and trust needs to be built for a healthy working relationship, this will then lead to a
respective attitude towards those who are using the care service. For example when those who
work in a care setting can respect their colleagues it will lead to a respectful relationship between
themselves and those receiving care. Communication between colleagues differs from
communication between family and friends, as those close to you will often understand you even if
your communication is poor. Communication with a colleague may not necessarily mean it will be
formal. Developing trust, confidentiality and respecting the conversation, being a good listener and
remembering small details about that person will create a respectful working relationship.
