Barriers To Effective Communication In Health And Social Care

Communication is emotion. So in looking at barrier to effective communication, we should understand that, as we need to effectively communicate with vulnerable people, we need to understand the emotions engendered within them by the various forms of communication we could use. In understanding these emotions, we can better utilise the various forms available to us. By understanding these, we can ensure to a large extent that we make sure barriers to effective communication are lowered and in most cases, avoided.

In looking at barriers to communication, we shall explore definitions of communication, legislation issues, Maslow’s theory of the hierarchy of needs, barriers such as language, race, age, culture, gender and environment, techniques such as building rapport, using technology, body language, etc.

Main Body

Definition of Communication:

In every aspect of life, interpersonal skills are essential to every healthy level of relations with colleagues/service users. When it comes to Health and social care, settings; 'Communication skills' are important because you are interacting with vulnerable people and delivering a service that requires the basic skills of interaction, and in particularly listening skills, which is important in delivering productive teamwork.

All communication is emotion. A patient hearing he or she is to undergo an operation is not an item of news, it is an installation of fear or apprehension or, in some cases, relief that the pain they are suffering will soon be over. In understanding this, we can taper our mode of communication to help ensure the message is delivered