An ESSAY weighted at 100%.

Learning will be assessed via an essay of 3000 words, which requires students to select an area of health care of their choice (eg. AIDS/HIV, cancer, rehabilitation, mental health smoking etc), and to identify and explore the specific factors which impact upon the communication between that client group and the health care professionals that are responsible for their care. Special attention will need to be paid to the inclusion of a critical appraisal of the relevant research literature in terms of its methodological robustness and generalisability: 100% (All outcomes)

Additional assessment details (including formative feedback / assessment):
Students will be provided with formative assessment and feedback via written (email) feedback identifying strengths, limitations and guidance for improvement on plans submitted for the essay assessment.

A room in which discussion groups can be formed. Computers, Internet and Library Resources.

At least a 2.1 degree in Psychology (GBC recognized) or equivalent.

Brown, B., Crawford, P., & Carter, R. (Eds.). (2006). Evidence-Based Health Communication. Open University Press: Maidenhead.

Learning strategies will incorporate interactive seminars (21 hours), where discussions and debates will take place. Students will be invited to contribute personal experience of their contact with health care professionals where appropriate. Group reviews of research in communication within specific areas will be presented in a student-led session. There will be ample opportunity for students to investigate and present their suggestions for improvement in the communication process during the sessions

Essay preparation, seminar preparation and independent learning will take 129 hours.
Total of 150 hours.

This module will explore issues surrounding communication as it impacts upon a variety of health care settings. In particular, the consequences of perceived deficits in this area will be examined. Students will gain knowledge and skills to enable them to progress to working with a range of client groups across the lifespan including: death, dying and bereavement; children’s health and the role of the family in health and illness, the impact of hospitalisation on adults and children; decision making by patients; the ways that factors such as personality, health literacy and emotional intelligence may impact on communication; preparation for stressful medical procedures; and issues related to patient satisfaction. The effectiveness of interventions to improve communication in health care settings will also be explored.

This module will explore issues surrounding communication as it impacts upon a variety of health care settings. In particular, the consequences of perceived deficits in this area will be examined for their influence on treatment compliance, regimen adherence, general recovery and adaptation to altered health states. In addition to communication's role in the fields of prevention, preparation and support, the module will examine how communication can act as a vehicle for assessment and devaluation of patients. You will gain knowledge and skills to enable you to progress to working with a range of client groups across the lifespan including: death, dying and bereavement; children’s health and the role of the family in health and illness, the impact of hospitalisation on adults and children; decision making by patients; the ways that factors such as personality, health literacy and emotional intelligence may impact on communication; preparation for stressful medical procedures; and issues related to patient satisfaction.