The next stage in the communication cycle is encoding, here we have to consider what language to speak in. Encoding takes place in this case study when the aim is being communicated in verbal communication. In the case study Mr & Mrs Singh speak minimal English as this is causing a problem because the service provider is using English. The service provider is using formal English and a lot of medical terminology. To resolve the situation here the MDT used a lot of medical terminology, however Mrs Singh speaks minimal English so they need to make sure she understands the situation, they could do this by getting a translator or speaking in simple terms she would have understood.
The third stage in the communication cycle is transmitting, as this is when you are transmitting a message in the correct format and also at the correct time. It is when a message is sent, via through oral communication (verbal) or using body language. The meeting was taken place in a ward day room where there was a lot of noise and a light flickering. This was unacceptable and to improve this situation the meeting should have been held in a quiet room with no distractions where Mrs Singh would of felt comfortable.
The fourth stage is receiving, at this stage the message is received but hardly understood by the service user. Questions are not to be asked until the service provider is finished speaking. As in this case study the message is received to Mr & Mrs Singh, as they do not understand English clearly they do not understand the message due to the language communication barrier. However Mr & Mrs Singh did not understand the information given to them and felt confused. Even though they were ‘nodding their heads intermittently’ they still were confused. To improve the situation the MDT could have given them leaflets in their language or notes to help them understand the information better.
The next stage in the communication cycle is “Decoding”. Decoding is the opposite of encoding, if the service provider has transmitted the information in the correct format, using body language and their tone of voice is appropriate then a service user should be able to decode their message effectively. The service provider is responsible for the message to be understood not the receiver. Decoding is when Mr & Mrs Singh work out what the message means, as decoding is not present in the case study due to a communication barrier. To overcome this barrier the service provider can improve the communication to help the service user to understand what the service provider is saying. To solve the problem there can be a translator, or may even use images, drawings, have leaflets, body language and any other non verbal communication. The service provider should not rely on the translator as this can still cause confusion due to the background or cultural differences. The service provider has used a lot of medical terminology and this is making it more difficult for Mr & Mrs Singh to understand what he is saying, for future references the service provider can use less medical terminology.
The final stage of the communication cycle is “Responding”. At this stage the service user has the opportunity to say what he/she may wish to say. This gives the receiver the chance to ask any questions and also gives the sender the opportunity to find out whether they have missed out any of the stages of the communication cycle. This communication is not present in the case study because the message is not understood as there is a lot of confusion so there is no response. This stage could also be improved as the MDT should have paid more attention to Mr & Mrs Singh as they looked ‘slightly bewildered’ and ‘extremely confused’ throughout the meeting. They could have planned the meeting beforehand to make sure the message was understood and also to ensure that no steps of the communication cycle where being missed out as they were speaking.