VET-20007 - Communication and Professional Skills
Coordinator: Nuria Terron Canedo
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733928

Programme/Approved Electives for 2021/22

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2021/22

This module is part of the professional skills strand. It establishes the concepts of verbal and non verbal communication and applies these to a wide variety of situations likely to be found in veterinary practice.
This module addresses aspects of the following RCVS competencies (RCVS, 2020):
9. Demonstrate situational awareness through navigating and responding to the economic and emotional context in which the veterinary surgeon operates (resilience training, recognising anxiety and stress and seek support).
11. Demonstrate commitment to learning and professional development, including recording and reflecting on professional experience and other learning aimed at improving performance and competence (reflections)
12. Engaging with self-audit and peer-group review processes in order to improve performance.
17. Communicate effectively with clients, the public, professional colleagues and responsible authorities, using language appropriate to the audience concerned.
18. Demonstrate inclusivity and cultural competence and encourage diverse contributions within the workplace.
19. Work effectively as a member of a professional/inter-professioonal team, fully recognising the contribution of each professional, and demonstrate an understanding of cognitive diversity.
20. Prepare accurate professional records and case reports, in a form appropriate to relevant audiences.
21. Communicate clearly and collaborate with referral, diagnostic and other professional services.

Aims
The aims of this module are to:
1. To develop further the skills of reflective practice and begin to apply this to personal development, communication skills and wellbeing.
2. To introduce a range of methods of communication.
3. Explore the role of empathy in communication in clinical practice

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate a commitment to learning and professional development, including recording and reflecting on professional experience and other learning, aimed at improving performance and competence, including reflection on acquisition of communication skills: 1,2
Evaluate the importance of effective communication and apply a range of methods of communication relevant to veterinary practice: 1,3
Evaluate the role of communication in client-centered veterinary practice and the ethical obligations of the veterinary surgeon in this context: 1,3
Apply and evaluate a range of personal development techniques for wellness and stress management: 2

Study hours

Lectures - 12 hours
Tutorials - 24 hours
Supervised online study (GOAL) - 12 hours
Independent Learning - 102 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Video Tape weighted 30%
Comunication event recorded
Verbal communication skills together with suitable communication style and modality will be evidenced in this assessment (4 minutes videoo or audio).

2: Report weighted 40%
Reflection
Reflective writing report to evidence engagement with personal and professional development (700 words).

3: Website weighted 30%
Informative media post
Informative blog for clients from a veterinary practice providing evidence of written communication skills and engagement with client communication in a clinical setting, as well as adhering to the RCVS Professional Code of Conduct (700 words).