What are Learning Outcomes?

Section 1 

Communication 

Communication about health needs to be relevant, accurate and easy to comprehend to the community in question. This is because it narrows the time spend and makes the information to be received more easily. Relevant communication adresses the immediate needs of the community without overloading them with information. Presenting accurate information builds the trust of the community,as they will be more receptive to future interactions. 

Simplified communication also makes it possible for members of the community to ask questions and get clarity on all issues. Making health care accessible makes it possible for the entire community to continue with the discussion even after the one time intervention is complete. The audience selected should include local healthcare leaders, community leaders and other influential members of the community. Their support and presence will give credibility to the initiative. 

Evidence based Practice and Research 

Effective health communication strategies can be applied from experiences of healthcare professionals around the world. Bodies such as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality(AHRQ) advocate for practices such as limiting content, using non medical language, demonstrating instead of just stating and involving community members to participate in the event. These simple directives have proven to be effective in campaigns such as those advocating first proper hand washing. Other methods that have proven to work include use of non verbal cues and encouraging feedback. 

Innovation 

Developing a communication program is different for each community. First, the most reliable method of communication must be identified. This depends on the needs of the community, the literacy needs and the cultural inclinations that they may have toward health care. Additionally, the program must include the relevant community policies on communication and interaction. The content must be relevant and in line with current medical practices and findings. Lastly, the program must be made readily available to the community for referral at any time. 

Culture 

Respectful and open communication may effect behavioral changes in patients with health disparities. This is because the training will be able to demonstrate the merits of proper care while showing how improper care has been detrimental. Culturally competent communication strategies may involve the participation of well respected community members. Lastly, incorporating the positive aspects of the culture will be necessary in creating cohesion. 

Ethics 

Low health literacy leads to a lack of application of preventative measures, reluctance to seek timely medical attention and poor medication adherence. The individual members of the community would be more cooperative if they understood why they needed to follow certain things instead of just bring instructed on what they needed to do. 

Interprofesionalism 

Making eye contact, demonstrating instead of dictating, speaking the same language and using clear examples are some of the techniques that made communication easier. Aspects of communication, ethics and culture were the most insightful after thus course. I learnt that sensitivity and cultural practices can be changed by influence of relevant leaders and community members. 

Section 2 

This course enhances previous course that emphasised various aspects of communication. It was useful in reinforcing aspects such as culture and ethics. Developing a custom made others was also made easier once the framework required was outlined. The evidence based practice activity was very influential. It demonstrates the importance of using current information to advice and information the masses. It also contains information that bridged the gap between information and actual practice. This activity also helped in setting the pace for future initiatives. Keeping up to date information and techniques will impact my practices in future activities. This will be done by always consulting current literature that contains evidence based findings. Lastly, taking up training chances with research organizations will be part of my career advancement practice.