Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care

UNIT 1: DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN HEALTH AND SOCIAL CAREFor M2, learners need to explain the specific communication needs patients/serviceusers may have that require support. This could include, for example, a descriptionof the role of technological aids in the support of individuals. For D1 learners need toconsider how communication in health and social care settings supportspatients/service users and other key people. To achieve this they should provide arange of examples of interactions, with strengths and weaknesses explained in termsof support for the patient/service user.To achieve P5, learners are also required to participate in two interactions, in therole of a carer, using communication skills to support patients/service users. It isrecommended that one of these interactions should be on a one to one basis and theother should be a group interaction. The interactions should take place in a workexperience environment, having used role play/simulation in the classroom todevelop and practise the necessary skills and understanding. At least one of theinteractions should be observed by a course tutor, or workplace supervisor, with theuse of a checklist/witness statement as supporting evidence.For P6 learners are then required to review the effectiveness of their owncommunication skills in the two interactions undertaken.To achieve M3, learners need to understand and explain how their own skills couldhave been used to make the interactions more effective. They need to be able toreflect on their own skills and identify areas for development.To achieve D2, learners need to explain factors that influenced their interactions,and provide a discussion of strengths and weaknesses.Confidentiality should be respected at all times throughout the assessment of thisunit.For successful achievement of the units within this programme, and the programmeas a whole, it is essential that learners understand the terminology of assessment. Itis suggested therefore that delivery time is allocated to this early on. For example,learners need to understand the precise nature and meaning of terms such asdescribe, explain, analyse and evaluate. In relation to the higher criteria, whengrading learner evidence, consideration should be given to the depth and breadth ofunderstanding that is evident alongside the learners’ abilities to evaluate, analyseand synthesise.Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTECqualifications and other relevant units and qualificationsThere are strong links with Unit 6: Personal and Professional Development in Healthand Social Care, and Unit 2: Equality, Diversity and Rights in Health and Social Care,and it would be good practice if the same tutor could be responsible for delivering allthree units. The knowledge and skills gained through this unit will also be developedfurther in Unit 24: Introduction to Counselling Skills for Health and Social Care.This core unit should enable learners to gain some of the underpinning knowledge forthe following units of the Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care:• Unit HSC31: Promote effective communication for and about individuals• Unit HSC33: Reflect on and develop your practice• Unit HSC34: Promote the wellbeing and protection of children and young people• Unit HSC35: Promote choice, wellbeing and the protection of all individuals.36BN018467 – Specification – Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Nationals in Health and Social Care– Issue 1 – February 2007 © Edexcel Limited 2007