Report identifying the different reasons people communicate and explain how communication affects relationships in the work setting

Communication is basically the giving and receiving of information. It’s the base of everyone does in every life. What we say, how we say it and what we do communicates lots of messages that are given and received consciously and subconsciously by using different communication methods. Generally when people communicate with you it’s because they have something they want you to know or something they want you to tell them. In regards to this task when working in a care setting communication is a key factor, you need to be able to communicate with a wide range of people such as, young people, children, famillies, carers, parents, their parents, families and/or other members of staff and managment, you will also have to come into contact with other professional from time to time such as; doctors,nurses, first aider, teachers and social workers. You will need to communicate for a variety of different reasons. Making and developing in and on relationships

You can’t make a new reltionship without communicating with the other people. It just doesn’t work like that. So the way you first speak and listen to someone for the first time can make them feel either welcome or overlooked.
As you listen, speak, comment and watch it is good to take an interest or at least look like you are, like smile and nod now and again, whether it be to a service user, a member of their family, a colleague or a visiting practitioner you are building and developing your relationship with them so it’s best to be engaged. Communication will always to be the main way anyone develop their relationships at work, or anywhere in general. Giving and receiving information

As a health care pro working in the health care setting you will be expected to give and receive different types of information. Like for instance if a service user confides in you, or a member of their family asks you something. The information you give, receive and pass on will help you to carry out your work effectively. Expressing needs and feelings

Expressing needs and feelings is part of being human and these are communicated through behaviour as well as speech. Most people need to share needs and feelings with each other and in this way build up a sense of trust with the person they confide in. Sharing thoughts and ideas

Humans process many of their thoughts by discussing them. If you have ideas, questions and opinions about your work, sharing them with colleagues helps to clarify, develop and even change the way you think and act. The way in which you respond to the thought processes of service users could encourage or discourage their sharing with you.

Affirming one another
Affirmation is basically acknowledging and encouraging each other and reassuring individuals of their worth and value to increase their self worth, beliefs and esteem. Affirmation is communicated through gestures, words and praise. Some care settings use support groups, staff meetings and appraisals as ways of affirming their staff about their work performance. (www.collinseducation.com)

When working in a health and social care setting you are bound by the code of practive. That code of practive is in place to make sure that all standards are met. These standards include the service and the behaiour they are delivering.

In general when people communicate effectively they tend to experience a lot less misunderstandings that create friction between people, waste time and cause mistakes. Where as poor communication in the workplace usually results in damage either immediately or long term. Some of that damage can be tracked down and corrected other damage cannot. Damage can be categorized in three areas: lost time and effort, stress and missed opportunities. People usually feel satisfied when they communicate well with individuals.

Good communication means that peoples needs are met and for the professionals working in a health care setting to feel they are not just doing the job but doing it in a way that allows the service users to have choice and control over their lives.

It will allow you to build strong professional relationships based on trust. It is essential that the individuals you support trust you as you are working very closely with them to improve their lives and if you are providing personal care, you will be carrying out intimate tasks.

Obviously it’s not all easy and there will be communication barriers or difficulties, when these occur you generally have a duty to find a way to overcome these. This can do done by learning about the different ways and types of communication barriers and how these can be improved or overcome.

To conclude the communication process is as much about listening and receiving messages as it is about talking and giving messages. As a health care pro you need to be skilled in both aspects. To be successful and use communication effectively as part of your role as in a health care you will be able to

Get the other person’s attention before you begin communicating with them.

Communicate clearly and directly so that you get your message across.

Adapt the way you communicate to a service user’s needs so that they are able to understand you.

Use empathy to try and understand the other person’s needs, point of view or the way they might be affected by what you are saying to them. .To listen carefully to what service users communicate to you use your own non-verbal communication skills effectively. Summarise what the other person has said as a way of checking and confi rming your understanding of what they mean.

Your communication skills will develop and become more effective as you gain experience in your work role, learning from observing more experienced colleagues. Learning from others, seeking advice and using support are all part of this process.

Building team work

Working in a health and social care setting usually means working in a team. Members of the team may have different roles, but the wellbeing of the service users you care for is a common focus for all. A team with members who communicate well with each other is a strong team.

Sharing information

In a care setting it is vital that information is shared appropriately between workers to enable each member of the team to carry out his or her role effectively. You will also need to share information with service users and their relatives. Sometimes the information might be of a sensitive nature, such as when breaking bad news or dealing with private information, and you will need to be especially sensitive. In the course of your work you will need to fi nd out information, pass on information and listen to information.

Establishing new relationships

When a service user arrives in a new environment, he or she may feel apprehensive. The ability to empathise, that is, to imagine how the person is feeling, is a key communication skill. It helps you understand what the person needs in order to feel at ease, such as a warm welcome, information and reassurance.

Providing support

Communication is the main way in which you continue to sustain relationships and build these up. As a health and social care worker you will need to offer support to service users and their families and this is enabled through both verbal and non-verbal communication. You will need to listen, as much as speak and the use of appropriate and non intrusive touch can add to the sense of being supportive