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ASSESSMENT TASK 1: REFLECTION
Aligned subject learning outcomes • Appraise and interpret communication theories.
• Reflect upon and articulate strategies for enhanced communication in a culturally diverse healthcare workplace.
Group or Individual Individual
Weighting 40%
Due date 1800h, Friday, 8 November 2019
Length 900 words
Word counts 10% above the required word limit will be penalised by 10% deduction of the marks available. The word count must be accurately stated at the end of the written piece. Every printed element between spaces is to be counted including quotations and in-text references (but not including reference list or appendices).
ASSESSMENT TASK 1: DESCRIPTION
The purpose of this assessment is to write a reflective paper about your own communication in the workplace.
In any form of communication, it is important to be aware of how we influence the process and identify our strengths and weakness in our communication skills. Developing self-awareness relies on being able to reflect deeply and recognise the role of ‘self’ in contributing to the outcomes of communication interactions.
To complete this task, you will need to firstly observe your professional communication over the course of a week. Following this, select two examples of communication to analyse and discuss: one example should showcase your communication strength(s) and one example should showcase your communication weakness(es).
The suggested format for this reflective essay is as follows:
• Brief introduction to paper
• Brief description of communication example demonstrating your weakness(es)
• Using a clear reflective cycle (citing which reflective cycle you are using), critically reflect on your weakness(es) in your communication and analyse the contribution of the ‘self’ to these weaknesses in the example, using theory to support your analysis
• Brief description of communication example showcasing your strength(s)
• Using a clear reflective cycle (citing which reflective cycle you are using), critically reflect on strengths in your communication and analyse the contribution of the ‘self’ to these strengths in the example, using theory to support your analysis
• Present an insightful discussion of your analysis that explains what you have learned about your persuasive professional communication abilities from this exercise
• Brief conclusion to paper.
As this is a reflective task, you may use first person. You are expected to use literature to support the discussion throughout the paper. Please ensure that you maintain confidentiality and privacy, so be sure to use pseudonyms for any descriptions of people or organisations. As this is an academic essay, no headings or dot points may be used. Correct APA (6th ed.) should be used throughout. For guidance on standards for assessment preparation, including referencing, please see Assessment Preparation Guidelines.
______________________________-
Effective communication is a crucial skill in healthcare, especially in a culturally diverse workplace. As a healthcare professional, it is important to be aware of one’s communication style, identify strengths and weaknesses, and improve communication skills continuously. This reflective paper aims to analyze my communication styles in the workplace, identify my strengths and weaknesses, and provide a critical reflection on these examples.
Communication weakness:
During a ward round, I had to communicate with Mr. Smith, a patient who had a limited English proficiency, and his family. I was aware of Mr. Smith’s cultural background, but I did not prepare well for the communication. I used technical terms and medical jargon, which I thought would convey the message more effectively. However, Mr. Smith and his family had difficulty understanding my message, and I had to repeat myself several times, which made them feel frustrated and ignored.
Reflective cycle: Gibbs Reflective Cycle
I used Gibbs Reflective Cycle to analyze my communication weakness in this example. According to this model, I reflected on my thoughts, emotions, actions, and the outcome of the situation. I realized that I did not consider the patient’s cultural background and communication needs before delivering the message. I also felt frustrated and embarrassed because I could not communicate effectively. This experience made me more aware of my cultural assumptions and the importance of cultural competence in healthcare.
Theoretical analysis:
Hofstede’s cultural dimensions theory can explain my weakness in this example. This theory states that culture influences communication styles, values, and attitudes. In a high-context culture like Mr. Smith’s culture, communication is more indirect, relying on nonverbal cues and context. On the other hand, in a low-context culture like mine, communication is more direct, explicit, and relies on words rather than nonverbal cues. Therefore, my communication style was not appropriate for Mr. Smith’s cultural context, and I failed to convey my message effectively.
Communication strength:
During a patient consultation, I had to communicate with Mrs. Green, a patient with a hearing impairment. I prepared well for the communication, using simple language, visual aids, and writing important information. I also gave Mrs. Green enough time to express herself, and I listened actively to her concerns. As a result, Mrs. Green felt heard, understood, and satisfied with the consultation.
Reflective cycle: Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle
I used Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle to analyze my communication strength in this example. This model involves four stages, including concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. I observed that my previous experiences with hearing-impaired patients helped me prepare better for the communication. I also reflected on my communication style and identified the strategies that worked well. I conceptualized these strategies and used them in my future communication with hearing-impaired patients.
Theoretical analysis:
The Communication Accommodation Theory can explain my strength in this example. This theory suggests that effective communication requires adjusting one’s communication style to match the other person’s communication style. In this example, I accommodated Mrs. Green’s hearing impairment by using visual aids, simple language, and writing important information. This accommodation helped me overcome communication barriers and communicate more effectively with Mrs. Green.
Insightful discussion:
From this exercise, I learned that effective communication requires cultural competence, self-awareness, and accommodation of different communication needs. I also learned that reflecting on one’s communication styles can help identify strengths and weaknesses and improve communication skills. Furthermore, I realized that using appropriate communication strategies can help overcome communication barriers and build trust with patients.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this reflective paper analyzed my communication styles in the workplace, identified my strengths and weaknesses, and provided a critical reflection on these examples. The use of reflective cycles and theoretical analysis
