Be_Able_to_Reduce_Barriers_in_Communication

Unit 001 Introduction to Communication in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings Outcome 3 – Be able to reduce barriers to communication As communication is key to so many areas of our lives, when a barrier exists we cannot relay information effectively. These barriers can be as simple as too much noise to enable effective communication or can be as complex as not sharing the same language or dialect. Barriers to communication; Physical – A noisy environment, cancelled meetings or distance. Organisational – Unclear role’s within the setting or poor methods of communicating. Attitudinal – Conflicting personalities, poor attitude to work, lack of support or differing views. Personal – Health or personal problems, psychological disorders, close friendships or hearing/sight needs. Language and Culture – English not first language, different cultures or misunderstandings. Presentation of Information – Poorly presented written information with incorrect details. Once we have identified a barrier in communication it is important to seek advice and try to overcome these barriers using the most appropriate means. This may involve setting up a meeting to help solve a misunderstanding or seeking advice from a relevant service to help break down the barrier. Initially advice should be sought from your manager, they can then suggest a relevant course of action and ensure you are seeking help from the correct person or organisation. This may involve your settings SENCO, a translation service, clarifying communication within your setting or a period of further research to help you understand why the barrier exists. In some cases the use of an Advocacy Service may be necessary to ensure the opinions and views of an individual are expressed clearly, especially in instances where someone is unable to express themselves. Once the appropriate action has been taken to lift the barrier in your communication it is necessary to ensure the information has been understood. This involves listening actively, watching their body language and making eye contact whilst the person communicates. This can be taken further by asking how the person wants to be contacted in the future such as email, written letters or verbal communication. Finally, by summarising the key points of the conversation both parties will have a clear understanding of the information exchanged in the conversation. Sources of information and support are vital in the process of overcoming a barrier in communication. These can take the form of a national or local organisation depending on the requirements but all can be accessed if your manager deems it necessary. Royal National Institute for the Deaf (www.RNID.org.uk) Association of Sign Language Interpreters (www.asli.org.uk/default.aspx) Royal National Institute for the Blind (www.RNIB.org.uk) Teaching Development Agency (www.tda.gov.uk) Department of Education (www.education.gov.uk) CAF – Common Assessment Framework On a more local level, the Pre-School could seek help, advice and support from; Wiltshire Council www.wiltshire.gov.uk For advice on Hearing and Vision Help /healthandsocialcare/healthandmedicaladvice/hearingandvision.htm Common Assessment Framework /healthandsocialcare/childrenyoungpeoplefamilies/commonassessmentframework.htm Early Years and Childcare /schoolseducationandlearning/earlyyearsandchildcare.htm /healthandsocialcare/adultcare/adultcarefactsheets/fsadvocacy.htm Online Translation service available at; http://php.wiltshire.gov.uk/services/translate.php There may also be the option of finding local people within the community who are able to act as interpreters, these may be friends or acquaintances of the person you are dealing with and would help to make them feel more relaxed. This may also be true for those needing someone to sign for them, a friendly face may go a long way toward making the person feel comfortable and at ease.