Communication in care settings

This mandatory unit for the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care is aimed at those who work with children or young people in a wide range of care settings.

It covers the central importance of communication in such settings and how to overcome barriers to meet individual needs and preferences in communication.

There are four learning outcomes and several assessment criteria:

1. Understand why effective communication is important in the work setting
   1. Identify the different reasons people communicate
   2. Explain how communication affects relationships in the work setting
   3. Explain ways to manage challenging situations
2. Be able to meet the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of individuals
   1. Demonstrate how to establish the communication and language needs, wishes and preferences of individuals in order to maximise the quality of the interaction
   2. Describe the factors to consider when promoting effective communication
   3. Demonstrate a range of communication methods and styles to meet individual needs
   4. Demonstrate how to respond to an individual’s reactions when communicating
3. Be able to overcome barriers to communication
   1. Explain how people from different backgrounds may use and/ or interpret communication methods in different ways
   2. Identify barriers to effective communication
   3. Demonstrate ways to overcome barriers to communication
   4. Demonstrate how to use strategies that can be used to clarify misunderstandings
   5. Explain how to use communication skills to manage complex, sensitive, abusive or challenging situations and behaviours
   6. Explain how to access extra support or services to enable individuals to communicate effectively
   7. Explain the purposes and principles of independent advocacy
   8. Explain when to involve an advocate and how to access advocacy services
4. Be able to apply principles and practices relating to confidentiality
   1. Explain the meaning of the term confidentiality
   2. Demonstrate ways to maintain and promote confidentiality in day-to-day communication
   3. Describe the potential tension between maintaining an individual’s confidentiality and disclosing concerns