Core communication skills

Industry-backed learning

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Learning outcomes

Explain what is meant by communication and describe the different ways that people may communicate

Appreciate the importance of successful communication

Describe how to establish an individual's communication and language needs, wishes and preferences

List a range of communication methods and styles and appreciate the differences between verbal, non-verbal and written communication

Recall the barriers to effective communication and explain how these may be reduced

Describe what confidentiality means and appreciate the importance of confidentiality to working within healthcare

Describe situations where confidentiality may need to be broken

Describe the eight Caldicott Principles and appreciate the origin of these principles

Explain the role of Caldicott Guardians within the health service

Define, describe and appreciate the importance of reflective practice within healthcare

Explain what is meant by communication and describe the different ways that people may communicate

Appreciate the importance of successful communication

Describe how to establish an individual's communication and language needs, wishes and preferences

List a range of communication methods and styles and appreciate the differences between verbal, non-verbal and written communication

Recall the barriers to effective communication and explain how these may be reduced

Describe what confidentiality means and appreciate the importance of confidentiality to working within healthcare

Describe situations where confidentiality may need to be broken

Describe the eight Caldicott Principles and appreciate the origin of these principles

Explain the role of Caldicott Guardians within the health service

Define, describe and appreciate the importance of reflective practice within healthcare

About this course

This module covers the different ways that people may communicate; stresses importance of successful communication; a range of communication methods and styles; the barriers to effective communication and how they may be reduced. It also describes what confidentiality means and appreciate the importance of confidentiality to working within healthcare and explains the role of the Caldicott Guardian. This module is CPD accredited.

Course curriculum

Chapter 1 : What is Communication?

Chapter 2 : Why is Communication so Important?

Chapter 3 : Establishing Communication Needs

Chapter 4 : Communication Methods and Styles

Chapter 5 : Verbal Communication

Chapter 6 : Non-verbal Communication

Chapter 7 : Written Communication

Chapter 8 : Barriers to Effective Communication

Chapter 9 : What is Confidentiality?

Chapter 10 : Why is Confidentiality so Important?

Chapter 11 : Should You Ever Break Confidentiality?

Chapter 12 : Caldicott Principles and Guardians

Chapter 13 : Reflective Practice

Chapter 14 : Summary

Chapter 15 : A Chance to Reflect

Chapter 16 : References

Get certified

  • Showcase your skills with a course certificate, for use in your professional records, portfolio or in job interviews

  • Individual course certificate £8.99 (ex. VAT)

  • Increase professional credibility

FAQ

What is CPD?

Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is the way that professionals continue to learn and develop throughout their career and ensure they keep their skills and knowledge up to date to be able to practise safely.

If you work in a role that requires registration with a regulatory body such as nursing, then you are required to keep your skills and knowledge up to date through CPD.

For example, all nurses on the NMC register must complete 35 hours of CPD in a three year period. E-learning can count towards some of the required CPD hours, so the great news is Academy e-learning modules can be used to evidence ongoing CPD hours!

Each module on Academy gives an indication of the time required in “active learning” to complete it. Once the module is completed and the assessment passed, a certificate is then issued which can be downloaded.

The terms CPD hours/scores/points are used interchangeably, although a module on Academy does not give the number of CPD “points”, the general guide is that usually one hour of learning equates to one CPD “point”.

Most of Florence Academy modules are independently accredited by the CPD Standards Office and many of them are also aligned to the Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF). Each course overview details whether the course is accredited and/or aligned, meaning you can be confident that they meet industry standards.

To find out more about:

Will any care home accept my certificates?

Any care home/NHS Trust outside of Florence can accept them, depending on their policies. Sometimes organisations have a preference for a certain course or they might ask to see the learning outcomes to be sure what has been covered in the course, we recommend you check with them directly.

How to pay for Academy certificates

It's free to learn on Florence Academy – you can go through all modules in a course and complete assessments without paying.

We charge £8.99 + VAT (where applicable) to see and download each course pass certificate.

You can buy your certificate immediately after completing the course (and passing your assessment), or you can purchase it later by clicking the "Get certified" button for the course on your certificates page.

We accept most card types, including Visa and Mastercard. We don't currently take PayPal.

What is Florence Academy?

Academy is an online learning platform designed for those working in social care and looking for professional development. You can log in or create an account here.

Who creates the learning content on Florence Academy?

Our Florence Academy specialist Clinical Content Team is made up of experts in health and social care and digital learning - a winning combo. We are skilled and experienced and create accurate and interesting learning experiences on any topic. We are:

  • clinical experts

  • writers, editors and proofreaders

  • creative designers

  • learning experience creators

  • data analysers.

We focus on producing accurate and relevant learning content you can trust.

Florence Academy content disclaimer

The information and online educational content provided by Florence Academy is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It is designed to assist you in meeting your continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. Florence Academy cannot be held responsible for the performance or implementation of your duties at work or professional skills.

The content should not be considered medical, health, wellness, nutritional advice or consultation. It is not a substitute for the services or advice of a qualified health professional who provides evidence-based care within a specific context. The content is generalised and does not take into account an individual's circumstances, physical well-being, mental state, or medical needs, which are important factors in correctly diagnosing and treating any health condition.

Florence Academy explicitly advises against disregarding medical advice or encouraging others to do so, or delaying seeking medical advice based on this content.

While Florence Academy strives to ensure that all content is complete and accurate at the time of publication, we do not assume responsibility for any errors, omissions, or defects in the content. Florence Academy does not guarantee the accuracy of information provided by any third party and accepts no liability for any loss or damage that may occur as a result of relying on such information.

Suitable for

Care Assistant

,

Senior Care Assistant

,

Team Leader / Supervisor

,

Nurse

,

Other staff

40-60 minutes

Free (ex. VAT)

Certificate £8.99 (ex. VAT)*

*Certificates are free for active Florence workers