Training activity information
Details
Tailor communication where there is an additional consideration such as language, education culture or sensory impairment in a trainee-led consultation
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Providing genetic counselling appropriately to patients from a diversity of social, economic and cultural backgrounds
- Implications of individual and family experiences, beliefs, values and culture on understanding genetic concepts
- Use of interpreters or arrangements required for individuals with visual or hearing impairment
- Use of counselling aids
- Professional standards, including:
- AGNC code of ethics
- GCRB code of conduct
- Good scientific practice
- HCPC standards of proficiency
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What are your current understandings of how language, education, culture, or sensory impairments can impact communication in a healthcare setting? What strategies are you already aware of for tailoring communication in these situations?
- In which of these specific considerations (language, education, culture, sensory impairment) do you feel you need to develop? What specific communication techniques or adaptations do you want to practice or observe?
- How will you prepare for a consultation where one or more of these additional considerations is present? What potential challenges do you anticipate, and how might you plan to address them proactively? How do you feel about the potential complexities of these consultations?
- How might you ensure that you are aware of additional considerations prior to an appointment, and how do you prepare to address these?
In action
- What specific adaptations are you making to your communication based on the identified additional consideration (e.g., speaking clearly and at a moderate pace for someone with a hearing impairment, using visual aids for language barriers, being mindful of cultural norms)? Are you consciously monitoring the patient’s or family’s understanding? What specific techniques are you trying?
- Do you feel your adapted communication is effective in ensuring the patient or family understands the information? Are you observing any cues that suggest your communication is not clear or culturally sensitive? What challenges are you facing in tailoring your communication effectively? How does the additional consideration impact the flow and content of the consultation?
- Are you trying alternative ways of explaining complex information? Are you checking for understanding more frequently? Are you considering if additional support (e.g., interpreter, advocate) would be beneficial? Are you reflecting on the impact of your communication style on the patient’s comfort and engagement?
On action
- How well did you establish or negotiate the needs in this case? What specific adaptations did you make to your communication based on the identified additional consideration? What was the immediate impact of these adaptations on the interaction? Did you notice any signs of misunderstanding or difficulty in communication despite your efforts?
- How effective were your attempts to tailor your communication? What worked well, and what could have been done differently? What does this experience highlight about the importance of and challenges in tailoring communication in genetic counselling?
- What specific strategies or resources will you utilise in future consultations where there are additional communication considerations? What will you seek to learn more about (e.g., specific communication techniques for different sensory impairments, cultural communication nuances)?
Beyond action
- Considering subsequent consultations with individuals with diverse communication needs, how has your approach to tailoring communication evolved? Have you learned new strategies or encountered different challenges in adapting your communication since this initial experience?
- Are you now more proactive in identifying potential communication barriers and planning how to address them before or during a consultation? Can you provide examples of how you have successfully tailored your communication in recent consultations, drawing on lessons learned? How has this experience informed your awareness of the importance of using appropriate interpreters or advocates when needed?
- What further learning or resources will you seek out to enhance your skills in communicating effectively with individuals with diverse needs throughout your career? How will you ensure that you are always practising inclusively and tailoring your communication to meet the unique needs of each patient and family you encounter?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 |
Outcome
Apply counselling skills within genetic and genomic counselling consultations. |
| # 2 |
Outcome
Interpret and elicit appropriate medical, family and psychological history from patients in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner. |
| # 7 |
Outcome
Practice in accordance with the relevant standards. |