Name: Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Address: 502/25-29 Dixon St, Haymarket, NSW, 2000, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9212 1968
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

General Information
Duration	1 semester
Level	Year 1, Semester 1
Unit Weighting	Unit Credit Points: 10 credit points Total Course Credit Points: 320 credit points
Student Workload	Number of timetabled hours per week: 4 Number of personal study hours per week: 6 Total workload hours per week: 10
Prerequisites	None
Academic Details
Description	This unit introduces students to health communication and addresses the issues, approaches and techniques in communicating effectively with the general public, patients, and peers as a qualified health professional. The unit also raises students’ awareness about the strengths and limitation of Chinese medicine and when to appropriately refer a patient to a peer or another medical and health professional. The unit explores key issues in interpersonal interactions including the dynamics of the client/practitioner relationship, ethical issues, professionalism and confidentiality. Other key issues include working in groups and teams with an open-minded sense of inquiry in the pursuit of excellence relating to both professional and personal development; and developing an appreciation of the multi-cultural and multi-racial nature of the Australian community and how this may affect the practice of Chinese medicine. Special focus is placed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural awareness and sensitivity in the practice of Chinese medicine in the Australian context. To prepare students for their roles as professional TCM practitioners, this unit also introduces techniques in communication and counselling to more effectively manage a CM consultation in clinical practice, be that in their practice of acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine with a view to improving both the quality of life of patients and the wellbeing of the community and the environment.
Learning outcomes	On successful completion of this unit students will be able to: Communicate clearly, effectively, empathetically and appropriately with patients and/or clients in a clinical consultation, in compliance with the NSQHS Standards’ Partnering with Consumers Standard. Apply a range of strategies to support and promote effective communication with patients, clients, carers or family members from diverse backgrounds (e.g. culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples). Demonstrate accepted protocols and procedures in the provision of relevant and timely written communication when collaborating about patients and/or clients with other Chinese medicine and health practitioners. Critically reflect on social and cultural determinants of health, and on the impact of one’s own culture, influences, perceptions and interactions when communicating with others. Demonstrate academic integrity in academic writing including correct referencing and use of citations.

Communication in Health

Useful Links

Contact SITCM

Contact our admissions team

Upcoming Enrolment Intakes