Evidence suggests that ineffective communication leads to poor patient outcomes, decreased job satisfaction and health system inefficiencies. This unit of study introduces students to the communication theories and skills required to function as integral members of interprofessional teams in contemporary healthcare environments. While undertaking this unit, students will reflect on their own practice and develop their understanding of the culturally safe and respectful strategies used to provide person centre care across the lifespan, ensure safety and shared decision making in healthcare, and overcome communication barriers.
| Therapeutic Communication | |
| Unit of study code | 317 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Breast Cancer Nursing
Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing Graduate Certificate in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Nursing Graduate Certificate in Orthopaedic Nursing Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing Studies Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care GC single unit of study |
| Term | JANUARY, JULY |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 1 |
| Prescribed texts | Nil |
| Co-ordinated by | Ashley Page MACN e: ashley.page@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this subject/program
After completing this subject, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Foundational concepts | a) appraise contemporary evidence-based literature of communication theories | Assessment 1: Brief bites activity | 5% | 2 |
| Theme 2: Communication to support person-centred care across the lifespan | b) conceptualise the range of communication strategies appropriate for various healthcare situations across the lifespan | Assessment 2: Essay | 35% | 5 |
| Theme 3: Safety, quality and shared decision making | c) apply advanced communication techniques when delivering information to patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds | Assessment 3: Video presentation | 30% | 8 |
| Theme 4: Barriers and complex communication | d) critically evaluate barriers to effective communication and explore ways of addressing these | Assessment 4: Reflective essay | 30% | 10 |
| Theme 5: Communication and leadership in healthcare | e) critically reflect on your own communication skills and examine their impact on your clinical practice | |||
| f) implement professional communication strategies to enhance safety and optimise health outcomes | ||||
Therapeutic Communication (317) is a Tier 1 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 |
*Fees are subject to changes without notice.
