PYB007 Communication for Health Professionals


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Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Unit code:PYB007
Credit points:12
Anti-requisite:PYB074, HHB113, PYB111
Coordinators:Kate Murray | kate.murray@qut.edu.au
Anna Tate | a2.tate@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

Effective communication is widely considered to be a key component of health care practice in the real world. In this multidisciplinary and highly practical unit, you will work with other learners from different health disciplines to have the opportunity to develop the core communication skills identified by the industry as essential for ethical, culturally safe and intentional practice. 

A major focus of PYB007 will be the development of interpersonal communication skills which you will practice in a safe and supportive environment. In addition to face-to-face practice, you will develop and practice skills specifically for online communication in recognition of the changing face of healthcare. These skills  will support you to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues, facilitate important conversations and meetings, resolve conflict and provide feedback, all in a culturally safe manner.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Describe core concepts and principles relevant to effective communication in the current world of health care.
  2. Identify and develop your interpersonal style of communication by actively engaging in critical reflection to ensure effective, ethical, and culturally sensitive practice.
  3. Apply effective communication skills and techniques in practice and group settings and through digital channels.
  4. Convey your own perspective and hear that of others to support collaborative practice.

Content

PYB007 covers a range of topics applicable to different health care settings in the real world. These include; principles of culturally safe communication  relationship development and management, interpersonal micro skills and techniques, listening and response skills, group facilitation, trauma-informed communication and conflict resolution skills.

The content has been developed based on current trends and needs in the industry and is informed by different theories, models and approaches including Indigenous knowledge systems.

In recognition of the increased role telehealth within the health sector, content and assessment is designed to support the development of specific skills required to excel in this medium. 

Learning Approaches

PYB007 is delivered using a blended learning approach of lectures and tutorials.

Lectures will focus on the key principles of communication and their application to different contexts, professions and settings. Lectures are highly interactive and will include exercises and activities to support your learning and provide an engaging experience.

Tutorials will provide you with an opportunity to apply your knowledge and develop your communication skills and techniques in a safe and supportive environment.

Please note that it is important that you attend the same tutorial throughout the semester and any changes in tutorial enrolments must be done formally through the registration system.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Feedback is an essential element of communication, and in PYB007 we aim to offer feedback in ways that invite reflection, learning and growth. Feedback will be offered informally in your peer-to-peer exercises and formally through your assessment pieces.

Assessment

Overview

The assessments have been designed with real world practice in mind and consist of both written and practical work.

 

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Group Dialogue & Communication Analysis

In small groups, taking on the role of health professionals, you will record a virtual group discussion in which you will draw on your understanding of group process and communication skills to collaboratively address a real-world problem. 

You will then complete a written analysis for your supervisor highlighting the elements of communication that you demonstrated and the difference this made to the group experience.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 40
Length: 750 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 7
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4
Related Standards: ENTRYLVL OPT2014: 1, 1.03, 1.05, 2, 2.01

Assessment: Reflection

You will write and submit a critical reflection on your experiences of working in groups within your tutorial activities. 

This assignment provides an opportunity to reflect on your interpersonal communication style and its impact on others, review relevant literature to support your analysis and articulate how you will apply your learnings in future practice.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Weight: 30
Length: 1000 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 12
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2
Related Standards: ENTRYLVL OPT2014: 1, 1.05, 2, 2.01

Assessment: Final Exam

This final exam will test your knowledge and understanding of communication frameworks and theories.  There will be multiple choice and case-based questions.

Weight: 30
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Central Examination Period
Central exam duration: 1:40 - No perusal
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Other resource materials and readings will be supplied to you throughout the semester.

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Shakespeare-Finch, J. (2020). A Guide to Formatting in Psychology (3rd ed.). Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Education.

Risk Assessment Statement

It is possible that activities could distress you if sensitive issues are discussed. If you find any of the situations distressing, you are advised to discuss them with a member of the University Counselling Service which is provided at no cost to QUT students.

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Entry-Level Competency Standards for Optometry 2014

1: Professional Responsibilities


  1. Relates to: Group Dialogue & Communication Analysis

  2. Relates to: Group Dialogue & Communication Analysis , Reflection

2: Communication and Patient History


  1. Relates to: Group Dialogue & Communication Analysis , Reflection

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

OP45 Bachelor of Vision Science

  1. Articulate knowledge and problem solving to specialist and non specialist audiences through oral and written formats to standards expected by the profession
    Relates to: Group Dialogue & Communication Analysis , Reflection

PY45 Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)

  1. Describe and evaluate the core scientific perspectives of psychology with reference to theories, methods and research, from diverse perspectives, including first-nations perspectives.
    Relates to: Reflection
  2. Critically examine the scientific discipline of psychological research and theories using oral, written and digital communication to address psychological issues in a respectful, ethical and professional manner.
    Relates to: Group Dialogue & Communication Analysis , Reflection
  3. Employ strategies for self-reflection, with regards to your conduct, values and impact on others and the profession in a culturally sensitive, inclusive, ethical and sustainable way.
    Relates to: Group Dialogue & Communication Analysis , Reflection
  4. Develop interpersonal process skills that contribute to effective outcomes in collaboration with others, including developing innovative opportunities.
    Relates to: Group Dialogue & Communication Analysis , Reflection
  5. Implement a range of digital capabilities to access, examine and utilise evidence-based information in the context of effectively responding to, and communicating, real world problems.
    Relates to: Group Dialogue & Communication Analysis , Reflection