Informal:
Informal communication is the interaction between two or more people, which does not adhere to the rules of formal communication. Examples of this in a health care setting – Greeting relatives and introducing yourself to relatives and short conversations while giving practical assistance to people such as helping them to move.
Text:
Text communication allows deaf and hard of hearing people to communicate with hearing people and with other deaf people. The way in which this happens is with a text telephone. Instead of listening and talking the text telephone allows people to message each other back and forth with the use of a keyboard, however both parties need a text telephone in order for this to work.
Oral:
In basic terms oral communication is the spoken interaction between two or more people. In health care oral communication could be simply a doctor talking to their patient.
Visual:
Visual communication is the delivery of ideas and information with can be looked upon and read. Examples of this in hospitals would be health leaflets and posters, which could be on smoking and alcohol.
Touch:
Braille is in every health care setting for people who are visual impaired. Braille is the most common form of touch communication; this is a system of raised marks that can be felt with your fingers. Another type of touch communication is the use of a computer aid, this used by typing a sentence on the computer screen and the computer reads what is said on the screen.
Music:
Music can provide a valuable communication system for expressing emotion. Music is seen as the language of emotion. Playing music while recovering in hospital is a great to lift people’s spirits and can help speed up a person’s recovery.
Arts and crafts:
In most households we enter we see pictures, paintings, sculptures, architecture, ornaments, to visitors this may just look like decoration but these can communicate messages and emotions to the household owner – artwork etc. can remind people of happier time.
Communication using technology:
Instead of meeting someone to discuss various issues, nowadays we can communication with someone half way around the world from are own home. Examples:
- Telephone
- E-mail
- Text
- Instant messaging
- Fax
E-mail has become useful for people who cannot contact their GP or doctor by telephone who need to rearrange an appointment or for doctors to get hold of patients.
Types of Interpersonal Interaction:
Speech and Language:
Language can be spoken, written or signed. is the expression of human communication through which knowledge, belief, and behaviour can be experienced, explained and shared. Spoken language is the communication between two or more people orally. Written language could come from a book, poster or leaflet etc. or communication through text, email and instant messaging. Sign language is the communication between two or more people with the use of hand shapes and facial expressions.
Non-verbal:
The way in which we present our bodies can send non-verbal messages about our attitudes. For example when talking to a patient with crossed arms and legs open can give the message ‘I’m not interested’ which when talking to a patient is not the appropriate way to be sitting. The appropriate way of communicating with our bodies and to show interest is sitting upright and occasionally leaning forward as this sends the message that you are interested and are listening to what the patient has to say. With simple contractions of facial muscles, others can visually transmit the whole range of human emotions. Non-verbal ways of showing someone you are listening is by head nodding, this is helpful for the speaker as it shows that they are being understood, this is extremely important in counselling. Facial expressions are exceptionally important in health care, greeting a patient with a smile can comfort the patient and make them feel welcomed, however greeting a patient with a frown can make them uncomfortable. Working in a health and social care setting touch is inevitable, however it is important that it is strictly professional. Greeting patients or colleagues with a handshake gives a positive message of ‘we’re in this together’, which shows an element of trust. When communicating with another person standing face-to-face is ideal for eye contact. However the ideal way of communicating is sitting in a right angle position, this way we can see facial expressions, head nodding and posture and it also gives us the chance to looking away from time to time without appearing disinterested. Proximity (personal space) is key to creating relationships, however it is important to keep a space between people you are talking to otherwise they feel uncomfortable and may not want to talk to you again. Proximity is vital in doctor – patient relationships. Reflective listening is most common in counselling, it is also known as parallel talk and paraphrasing. Reflective listening is important in health and social care as it shows you were listening, that you understand, creates empathy and builds a positive rapport. It also shows to the patient that you know what they are feeling; it shows that you have a desire to help and also shows that the person is worth helping.
Variation between cultures:
When communicating with people from different cultures, it is important to be polite courteous and show respect. If it is difficult to understand what the other person is trying to communicate ask questions to discover an understanding and to listen to the answers. In most health and social care settings signs are now multi-cultural as the UK is a multi-cultural society.
