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

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

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 further develop skills of reflective practice and reflective writing and begin to apply this to personal development, communication skills and wellbeing.
2. To introduce a range of methods of communication and develop core professional and communication skills
3. Explore the role of empathy in communication in clinical practice

Intended Learning Outcomes

1,2,3
Evaluate the importance of effective communication and demonstrate a range of methods of communication relevant to veterinary practice: 3
Evaluate the role of communication in client-centered veterinary practice and the ethical obligations of the veterinary surgeon in this context: Demonstrate the ability to record and reflect on professional experience, professional skill acquisition and competency development in the context of improving performance and committing to and professional development.: 2
Apply a range of personal development techniques for optimising performance, wellness and stress management: 2

Study hours

Lectures - 12 hours
Tutorials - 24 hours
Workshop - 6 hours
Supervised online study (GOAL) - 6 hours
Independent Learning - 102 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Video Tape weighted 30%
Verbal Communication Skills Assessment
Audio recording of verbal communication skills in role play format (4 minutes audio recording)

2: Report weighted 40%
Written Reflective Report
Reflective writing report to evidence engagement with personal and professional development. Word count 1,000 words.

3: Website weighted 30%
Informative media post
Informative written blog for clients from a veterinary practice providing evidence of written communication skills and engagement with client communication in a clinical setting. Word count 700 words.