Communication in Health

The unit will examine issues in interpersonal interactions including the client/practitioner relationship, ethical issues, professionalism and confidentiality, and the ability to work in groups and teams with an open-minded sense of inquiry in the pursuit of excellence relating to both professional and personal development. This unit enables students to appreciate the multi-cultural and multi-racial nature of the Australian community and how this may affect the practice of Chinese medicine. Special focus will be placed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and cultural safety in the practice of Chinese medicine in Australian. This study aims to prepare students to function in their role as TCM practitioners and addresses communication related issues that may be triggered in the course of a CM consultation, and how to adapt health psychology knowledge and method, health counseling techniques to the CM framework of clinical practice. The desire to achieve excellence in the practice of acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine and to contribute to improving both the quality of life of patients and the wellbeing of the community and the environment will be a key feature in the teaching and learning of this unit.

1. Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly, effectively, empathetically and appropriately with the patient/client in the reception and in a clinical consultation.
2. Identify the likely barriers to communicating with patients/clients and/or family/carers, especially with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and discuss the strategies to avoid or overcome these barriers, including the engagement of third parties.
3. Describe the communication skills required to collaborate with Chinese medicine and other health practitioners in the interests of the patient/client, and demonstrate the ability to follow the accepted protocols and procedures to provide relevant and timely written communication.
4. Examine and reflect on how one’s own culture, influences, perceptions and interactions with others from different cultures.
5. Define the concept of academic integrity, and demonstrate the ability to apply academic integrity in academic writing, including the appropriate use of referencing and citations to incorporate research and to avoid plagiarism.

Assessment 2: Practical Test (Role Play) (30%)

Assessment 3: Final Examination (35%)

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