P3 – explain factors that may influence communication and interpersonal
interactions in health and social care environments.
Many factors can influence communication and interpersonal interaction, for
example when people have a different first language, the environment, learning
disabilities, hearing or sight impairments, cultural variation, tone of voice as well as
the emotional needs of an individual.
The physical environment could have a huge impact on the quality of
communication. The factors which would enhance the interpersonal interaction
would be to make the patient feel safe and welcome, also showing them that they
have their own privacy and by providing a quiet room by shutting the door. All of this
should be provided to meet the patients’ needs and wants. However there are also
inhibiting factors, if there were a lot of distractions the concerns of the patient is
unlikely to be explained in great detail, also if the room is too dark or too light they
may feel uncomfortable and pressurised. Also if the room is too cold or too hot, this
could make them feel weak, it could also make them feel distressed which could
trigger anxiety, so they may avoid seeking help from the same place again. This can
be prevented by only having the central heating on for a limited amount of hours per
day, the windows should also be closed to prevent the draft from entering, however
if the service is too hot, opening the windows could be necessary. Also if it is too loud
they may feel like they are unable to explain their concerns due to feeling rushed or
like the practitioner isn’t focused on them at all. The building would also have to be
suitable for people who have a disability and need extra help accessing the service, a
ramp and hand railings should be present as well as the doors being wide enough to
fit a wheel chair through comfortably. The toilet facilities should also be suitable for
someone who has a disability. If these factors aren’t met a lot of people are going to
struggle going to and from the building. If the patient feels like the struggle of it is
embarrassing or not worth the worry they may stop seeking help which could make
their condition deteriorate. Therefore, it is very important that the needs of patients
are met. An example of how the physical environment could affect communication or
interpersonal interaction is that if there is too much noise, light or heat then the
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