Unit 6 M3 Complete and reflect on work placement
M3
Unit 1-Developing effective communication in health and social care
During the course, the unit that I believed was crucial to my placement was communication. This
unit taught me how to communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. At my
placement at the residential care home, the residents suffered with cognitive impairments such as
dementia, this meant I had to adapt my communication in order to suit them. A lot of the time is
meant providing sympathy and empathy or being patient as the residents suffering with dementia
became confused very often. Argyles theory was used in context whilst conversing with the
residents so that I could fully understand what a resident was telling me before I responded.
It is crucial to keep a constant flow of communication with the residents as they may not have the
opportunity to be involved in long conversations often, especially those I came across who do not
have family or are not visited often. This unit also helped me how to overcome barriers to
communication that may arise by using specific methods such as;
Building relationships: Building relationships with individuals within health care settings is important
as it builds trust between the service user and yourself. This makes them feel as though they can
open up with you. Building relationships involves skilled listening, combined with an appropriate
level of non-verbal and verbal communication. It is important to use friendly non-verbal
communication such as body language in order to express interest in the individual. Having a good
relationship between the professional and service user is important and has a positive impact due to
the mutual respect. It also demonstrates how the professional cares about the well-being of the
service user. Good working relationships between co-workers is also just as important, as it makes
working together much more efficient and enjoyable. Attachments between colleagues, however,
may cause emotional strain and cause uncomfortable situations in the event of conflict between co-
workers.
Defusing aggression: During my placement, occasionally residents would display aggression, this was
often the case for residents suffering with dementia. When this happens it may be daunting and
even upsetting to witness, however, if trust has been established between yourself and the
individual, it may become easier to cope with individual as opposed to dealing with a stranger.
Reflective listening and a calming voice, as well as a non-judgemental approach can help to diffuse
the situation much more efficiently. Defusing aggression can help to prevent any injury to the
individual or any other people in the area.
Unit 2-Equality, diversity and rights in health and social care
The unit on diversity helped me interact with others different from me. In a professional setting it is
extremely important to be able to detect different forms of discrimination against staff and service
users, this unit aided me in having the ability to do just that. Through completing research for my
assignments I found that it is illegal to discriminate against individuals with cognitive disabilities
under The Equality Act 2010.
The unit also helped me to identify which policies and procedures were needed whilst on placement
to ensure the safety of both staff and residents. Some policies appropriate for this were:
Staff development and training: Individuals will often opt to develop their training through
reflection on their own practice experience and through discussion with co-workers. Formal training
courses provided by the manager often provide opportunities for professionals to practice skills and
theories in relation to overcoming communication barriers. Staff members are regularly updated
with new legislations and policies within the working environment in order to ensure the
appropriate level of care is provided to patients and that they are also legally protected. Training can
M3
Unit 1-Developing effective communication in health and social care
During the course, the unit that I believed was crucial to my placement was communication. This
unit taught me how to communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. At my
placement at the residential care home, the residents suffered with cognitive impairments such as
dementia, this meant I had to adapt my communication in order to suit them. A lot of the time is
meant providing sympathy and empathy or being patient as the residents suffering with dementia
became confused very often. Argyles theory was used in context whilst conversing with the
residents so that I could fully understand what a resident was telling me before I responded.
It is crucial to keep a constant flow of communication with the residents as they may not have the
opportunity to be involved in long conversations often, especially those I came across who do not
have family or are not visited often. This unit also helped me how to overcome barriers to
communication that may arise by using specific methods such as;
Building relationships: Building relationships with individuals within health care settings is important
as it builds trust between the service user and yourself. This makes them feel as though they can
open up with you. Building relationships involves skilled listening, combined with an appropriate
level of non-verbal and verbal communication. It is important to use friendly non-verbal
communication such as body language in order to express interest in the individual. Having a good
relationship between the professional and service user is important and has a positive impact due to
the mutual respect. It also demonstrates how the professional cares about the well-being of the
service user. Good working relationships between co-workers is also just as important, as it makes
working together much more efficient and enjoyable. Attachments between colleagues, however,
may cause emotional strain and cause uncomfortable situations in the event of conflict between co-
workers.
Defusing aggression: During my placement, occasionally residents would display aggression, this was
often the case for residents suffering with dementia. When this happens it may be daunting and
even upsetting to witness, however, if trust has been established between yourself and the
individual, it may become easier to cope with individual as opposed to dealing with a stranger.
Reflective listening and a calming voice, as well as a non-judgemental approach can help to diffuse
the situation much more efficiently. Defusing aggression can help to prevent any injury to the
individual or any other people in the area.
Unit 2-Equality, diversity and rights in health and social care
The unit on diversity helped me interact with others different from me. In a professional setting it is
extremely important to be able to detect different forms of discrimination against staff and service
users, this unit aided me in having the ability to do just that. Through completing research for my
assignments I found that it is illegal to discriminate against individuals with cognitive disabilities
under The Equality Act 2010.
The unit also helped me to identify which policies and procedures were needed whilst on placement
to ensure the safety of both staff and residents. Some policies appropriate for this were:
Staff development and training: Individuals will often opt to develop their training through
reflection on their own practice experience and through discussion with co-workers. Formal training
courses provided by the manager often provide opportunities for professionals to practice skills and
theories in relation to overcoming communication barriers. Staff members are regularly updated
with new legislations and policies within the working environment in order to ensure the
appropriate level of care is provided to patients and that they are also legally protected. Training can
