Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Offered	Peninsula First semester 2011 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Mr Matthew Johnson

Synopsis

• This unit examines the theoretical and practical aspects of health communication within paramedic practice. The unit focuses on theoretical approaches to examining communication and communication practice in contemporary society. Students study the major theoretical positions in communication inquiry and utilise clinical scenarios to examine potential communication activities, in the field.
• Students will explore effective listening techniques, body language, time limited communication strategies, conflict resolution, alternative communication strategies and professional communication.
• The unit also introduces the broader public health and media communication role of the paramedic.

Objectives

1. Describe communication theories and models with relevance to paramedic

practice;

2. Identify models of communication as they apply to language, interpersonal, non

verbal, intercultural and political contexts;

3. Explain the social behavioural theories that assist in the exploration of potential

behaviours of self, patients and their carers and bystanders in situations of acute
trauma and environmental events;

4. Describe barriers to effective communication within paramedic practice and how

emotions can interfere with decision making;

5. Describe the emotional aspects of communication, detailing patterns that can

occur during times of extreme stress and anger and how this impacts on
paramedics;

6. Discuss the important differences when communicating with people at various

stages of the lifespan;

7. Discuss how communication techniques can be modified when dealing with

urgent and time critical situations;

8. Compare and contrast alternative modes of communication relevant to

paramedic practice (eg. Phonetic alphabet, Telehealth);

9. Interpret medical terms and use medical terminology to report clinical findings

and to communicate with other health professionals;

10. Discuss the role of the paramedic in relation to communication with media;
11. Demonstrate within a scenario environment effective communication techniques

with a range of different cultural groups;

12. Demonstrate effective listening and communication strategies within a scenario

environment

Assessment

Worksheet: (20%)
2000 word written essay: (40%)
Presentation: (25%)
Communication Exercise: (15%)

Chief examiner(s)

Mr Matt Johnson

Contact hours

6 hours per week involving lectures, tutorials and small group exercises.

Prerequisites

Must be enrolled in the Bachelor of Emergency Health (Paramedic)