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.