ADVANCED COMMUNICATION SKILLS - 2023/4
Module code: NURM105
Module Overview
This module is based on the best evidence to support the development of Advanced Communication Skills using experiential learning methods. The module will enable students to develop their facilitative skills in order for the patient and professional agenda to be addressed in a patient centred manner.
Module provider
School of Health Sciences
Module Leader
ROBERTS Sarah (Health Sci.)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 7
Module cap (Maximum number of students): 18
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 130
Lecture Hours: 16
Module Availability
Semester 2
Module content
What are Advanced Communication Skills?
Breaking bad news
Handling difficult questions
Interviewing skills
Facilitating skills
Distancing strategies
Handling difficult emotions e.g. denial, anger, anxiety
Assessing and tailoring information to individual needs
Communication within the multidisciplinary team
Support and clinical supervision
Culture and communication
Barriers to communication
Equality and diversity
Delivery of the module:
Teaching and learning will be achieved through experiential teaching and learning methods, and small group discussion.
Useful journals
British Medical Journal
International Journal of Nursing Studies
International Journal of Palliative Nursing
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Palliative Medicine
Patient Education and Counselling
Psycho Oncology
Social Science and Medicine
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | CRITICAL APPRAISAL | 100 |
Alternative Assessment
NA
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the development of facilitative communication skills that is evidence based. Students will also critically reflect on their ability to develop advanced skills in person centred communication.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
A critical appraisal of the student’s communication skills, based on an audio-recording of an interaction/consultation, which will be transcribed by the student, involving a patient, carer or team member.
OR
A critical reflection on the student's communication skills based on an interaction/consultation, involving a patient, carer/parent or family member.
3000 words (100% of the module mark)
Formative assessment
The student will take part in a video recorded interaction with self reflection on skills used.
Feedback
Feedback on communication skill development will be given through experiential exercises throughout the module and through the use of a workbook prior to the module starting.
Please note that any evidence of unsafe practice or breach of confidentiality will result in an automatic refer for the module.
Module aims
- Implement effective communication strategies to enhance the physical and emotional well-being of patients and their carers.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Evaluate the evidence base of effective communication as well as barriers to communication in different health care contexts. | KC |
| 002 | Demonstrate skill in facilitating and assessing patients' expression of their physical problems, psychosocial concerns and worries. | PT |
| 003 | Reflect upon and critically appraise one's own and others’ communication skills. | CPT |
| 004 | Appreciate the need for professional support and clinical supervision. | CP |
| 005 | Critically evaluate the ability to work with issues of equality and diversity in communication. | CP |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:
Give students a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of patient centred communication providing opportunities to practice communication in a safe environment and to receive constructive feedback on skill development in a constructive environment.
The learning and teaching methods include:
Lecture discussion, small group work and feedback, working on a communication issue that the student finds challenging. A variety of approaches that encourage a student led approach are used including:
Experiential learning methods
Small group work
Lecture and discussion
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: NURM105
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health Practice (SCPHN) (Health Visiting) MSc | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Public Health Practice (SCPHN) (School Nursing) MSc | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Primary and Community Care (Community Children's Nursing) (SPQ) MSc | 2 | Optional | A 40% weighted aggregate with one or more units of assessments having to be passed at 40% is required to pass the module |
| Primary and Community Care (District Nursing) (SPQ) MSc | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2023/4 academic year.