Course info

This course focuses on the interpersonal and intercultural skills required for learners to participate effectively in health care settings as they 1) communicate with clients and families and 2) communicate on a health care team. In the first half of the course, learners will learn the language and communication skills relevant to a variety of health care communication tasks, including setting clients at ease, expressing empathy, gathering information, explaining, encouraging cooperation, and deescalating anger. As well, they will develop the document use, numeracy, thinking, and communication skills needed for success in health care settings. In the second half of the course, learners will learn to interact professionally in a collaborative environment. They will gather and record information, report information competently and objectively, give and receive instructions and feedback, make and respond to requests, and propose solutions. They will also identify and use strategies for managing difficult communication tasks such as giving and responding to feedback, advocating, and managing conflict. Throughout the course, learners will listen to, role play, and evaluate interactions set in a health care context.