Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Communication in Healthcare
SCQF level: 07:
SCQF credit value: 10.00
ECTS credit value: 5
Module code: ENI07142
Module leader: Lyndsay MacKinnon
School ENU International College
Subject area group: ENUIC Pathway College
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

Building effective and appropriate communication skills is important in the healthcare context for a number of reasons. There are aspects which are very specific to the caring environment. Students preparing for a nursing course need to appreciate the importance of being people-centred in their approach. This not only involves caring for and relating well to people as patients but also requires healthcare professionals generally to see people as individuals and relate to them as such.The module will cover communication both to collect and impart information, ensuring full and correct understanding, the need for confidentiality and the steps required to secure patient consent to next steps.The nurse needs to develop caring characteristics and be able to feel and show compassion for individual patients. Aligned with this is the importance of understanding one’s own responses, building resilience in the face of a succession of demanding circumstances and having an awareness of the need to foster one’s own well-being.A further aspect is the need to communicate clearly and effectively. Apart from being unambiguous in direct face to face dealing with patients and their families, this also involves learning about the significance of non-verbal communication, for example, through body language, understanding the etiquette involved in communicating through technology, by email, for example, and by developing an appropriate telephone manner.Listening skills are frequently as important as speaking skills. Sometimes appreciating sub-text is an important as hearing the words actually spoken.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of effective communication skills in nursing and healthcare with different individuals.

LO2: Demonstrate an understanding of the ‘Four Principles’ behind engagement with patients.

LO3: Effectively negotiate the way through a simulated healthcare situation.

LO4: Demonstrate the ability to reflect on learnings from theoretical and practical work undertaken during the module
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2025/6, Trimester 1, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Lyndsay MacKinnon
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Seminar 48 The focus is on interactive small classes. Tutors highlight effective patient communication in healthcare. Students actively engage through discussions, Q&A, and short tasks to assess understanding. Workshops deepen learning through group activities, including nursing simulations, followed by plenaries for discussion and feedback. Brief tests and quizzes provide additional formative evaluation.
Online Guided independent study 8 Support sessions are available to students who wish to receive further guidance on topics, concepts or practical skills/activities which they find difficult. Sessions may be led by college support team. They take the form of weekly face to face work or online, supported by additional on line material available via Moodle. These support sessions also develop student knowledge and understanding of issues around employability and career development in the professional contexts studied.
Online Guided independent study 32 Students prepare for seminars and workshop sessions. These involve background reading from recommended texts and articles which help them prepare for upcoming topics. Students are expected attend seminars with notes taken from the preparatory reading. Students are encouraged to make use of material available on the VLE and elsewhere to encourage them to individualise their learning and develop as autonomous learners.
Online Guided independent study 12 Preparation for assignments that are set as part of formative assessment, through which students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of topics studied and on which they are able to receive detailed and supportive feedback from their tutors and fellow students.
Total Study Hours100
Expected Total Study Hours for Module100


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Reflective Log 50 1~2~3~4 Week 8 , WORDS= 1000 words Individual students complete this journal throughout the module and use it to reflect on their learnings and their specific importance within the healthcare environment. The Journal is available to tutors during the module so that students may be kept aware of their progress and receive feedback.
Practical Skills Assessment 50 Not Yet Determi The simulation allows individual students to react to typical situations arising in healthcare settings.
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 0 Not Yet Determi The simulation allows individual students to react to typical situations arising in healthcare settings.
Component 1 subtotal: 100
Component 2 subtotal: 0
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
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