P1 – Explain the role of effective communication and interpersonal interaction in a health and social care context
Communication is highly important, especially in an elderly care setting. It is useful in many different ways and situations, for example; if the service user had vision impairments, it is important that the professional speaks loud and clearly pronunciating properly however is not patronising in any way making the service user feel uncomfortable. This gets important information, such as changes to medication, across clearly to the service user without them feeling uncomfortable or unaware.
Different contexts of communication are used in many different care setting situations such as;
• One to one – One to one conversations may take place between the service user and the member of staff. One to one conversations allow the member of staff to be heard clearly giving the service user an easier job listening without the distractions from around the room. Especially with this type of conversation, some service users may feel uncomfortable or intimidated; because of this it is best these conversations take place in private, in the comfort of their own room for example.
• Group interaction – Group interaction is very different. It involves many more people who all have different views. These conversations are made up of people who don’t meet up regularly; allowing the elderly service users socialisation. Usually group interactions are a lot more informal and chatty; unless it’s a debate, for example where everybody would take turns participating and listen to others. An example of a bad group interaction would be if it was always one service user taking control and talking over or interrupting other service users. It could potentially cause conflict and the volume of the conversations would continuously rise.
• Formal communication – Formal communication