Communication

Theories and concepts concerning the process of effective (and maladaptive) communication.
The importance of verbal and non-verbal communication skills and active listening.
Communicating with the bereaved.
Communication skills via different forms of media.
Empathy, Trust, Dealing with Conflicts.

Ethical, legal and professional issues:

The impact of professional and ethical issues encountered within organisations, crucially employing aspects of respect, valuing, confidentiality, data protection and an introduction to consent.
Theories and concepts concerning the demonstration of professionalism, inter-professional teamwork, and organisational structures.
Key legal and ethical frameworks/boundaries inc. Duty of Care, Protocols, Guidelines, Record Keeping & Scope of Practice.
Frameworks for professional paramedic practice and the role of Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies.

Research and study skills:

An introduction to literature searching and the hierarchy of evidence.
Study skills.
An introduction to academic writing.
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice.

Self-awareness, personal resilience and maintaining fitness to practice:

Explore mental health & wellbeing in the context of paramedic practice and recognition of stress and emotional labour.
Recognising how personal values may impact on practice.
Recognise individual vulnerability and stressors in order to promote vigilance to personal triggers and subsequent personalised adaptive coping strategies.
An introduction to CPD.
Knowing when and how to raise and escalate concerns.

Oral Presentation – (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3).

The assessment for this module will be a 20-minute individual oral presentation from one of 5 case studies provided. Your presentation can be a poster or software such as PowerPoint or equivalent. The presentation will focus on communication skills, barriers, and solutions to issues in practice and consider legal and professional themes encountered. When presenting, an emphasis should be focussed on the communication process including paralinguistics and body language.

N.B The 20 minutes will include time for questions.

Learning may consist of lead lectures, debates, seminars, and pre-recorded content. This can be supplemented by online study materials. Online materials are often used to introduce subject areas and are delivered through the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE).

Incorporated into these will be tasks and activities, which will help to form the basis of face-to-face tutorial sessions to reinforce your learning.

Seminars, discussion, and debates are encouraged seminars, and tutorial sessions. Students will be encouraged to engage, to facilitate diverse conversations and shared experiences. This will facilitate full exploration of the topic and allow you to develop and evaluate your own opinions and perspectives on the key issues.

Specialist guest lectures, service users may be utilised to give students an in-depth professional and personal experience of key subject areas.

You will also be expected to undertake your own self-study on this module, comprising approximately 152 hours. You will have guidance on which issues and areas to look at, but this study is designed to help expand your knowledge and appreciation for the key subject matters, and to allow you time to work on and develop your assignment.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of appropriate, reliable, and effective communication within healthcare.
Knowledge and Understanding,
Application, Problem solving.

2. Identify barriers to communication and propose solutions to these barriers, within healthcare.
Knowledge and Understanding, Communication.

3. Discuss and articulate an understanding of legal, ethical and professional issues relevant to the role of the paramedic.
Knowledge and Understanding, Communication.

VLE (Virtual Learning Environments).
Classroom.
Library support.
Academic Mentor support.
Group tutorials.
Lectures.
Seminars.

Chou, C. (2021), Communication Rx: Transforming Healthcare Through Relationship-Centred Communication, Maidenhead: McGraw-Hill Education.

Eaton, G. (2019) Law and Ethics for Paramedics: An Essential Guide, Bridgewater: Class Publishing.

Jasper, M., Rosser, M. and Mooney, G., (2013) Professional Development, Reflection and Decision-making in Nursing and Healthcare, 2nd edn, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.

Nixon, V. (2013) Professional Practice for Paramedic, Emergency & Urgent Care, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing.

Enrolled on BSc (Hons) of Science in Paramedic Science.

In this module, you will start your journey to becoming a professional Paramedic. This module will introduce the required skills of communication and professionalism that will form the foundation for your development as an autonomous practitioner. Throughout the module, we will examine theories and processes of communication, self-awareness and discuss law and ethics. You will be introduced to the realm of being a registered practitioner and understanding the requirements of the regulating body, the professional body and society.