HCM102 Professional Communication

Unit Description

The unit is designed to equip students with the oral and written communication skills they require to operate effectively in the workplace and to interact with a diverse clientele and professional medical network. This is achieved through an exploration of both the theoretical and practical dimensions of modern communications, with an emphasis on developing the skills needed to deal with a wide variety of different clinical communications environments.

In addition, students will gain knowledge and skill in the construction and use of medical terminology, with reference to its use in communicating with various specialist medical practitioners. The unit is structured around three key areas: researching, writing and presenting, with each designed to complement the others.

Prerequisites

Students must have successfully completed HCM101 Introduction to Professional Practice to undertake this unit. Content in this unit is taught so that students can build upon and further develop the knowledge and skills acquired in HCM101 Introduction to Professional Practice.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Differentiate and effectively use the vernacular of the therapeutic health environment
2. Demonstrate the effective use of academic and professional communication skills and describe communication techniques applied to presentations
3. Describe research techniques and strategies used in order to write a literature review
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the application of medical terminology
5. Define various ethical and legal considerations in health care communication
6. Apply appropriate communication principles to specific situations in a simulated clinical environment
7. Understand and respond appropriately to diverse cultural and socio-religious communications in demonstrating an understanding of the need for care, consideration and tolerance when communicating in different situations and with different groups

Graduate Attributes (GA)

In addition to the unit-specific learning outcomes listed above, the following graduate attributes are taught, developed and assessed in varying degrees within this unit:

• Knowledge of applied health science theory and practice
• Knowledge of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities within healthcare delivery systems
• The ability to communicate effectively with clients, peers and the wider community
• The ability to demonstrate in-depth competence in their area(s) of specialisation
• The ability to formulate and apply therapeutic interventions in their area(s) of specialisation
• The capacity to lead, manage and/or work effectively with multi-disciplinary and culturally diverse teams
• Awareness of professional and ethical responsibilities and a commitment to ongoing professional development and life-long learning.