Lifespan Development and Communication

This unit  introduces  students  to  the  concept  of  human  development  across  the  lifespan with a focus on communication and swallowing.  Physical, cognitive  and  psychosocial  development  is  examined  in  relation  to  major  theorists  and  stages  of human  development  from  birth  through  to  death.  Socio-cultural  aspects  in  relation  to  multiculturalism and health and well-being are explored. This  unit  will  also enable  students  to  gain  a  better  understanding  of  the  role  of effective  communication  for  health  professionals in working with clients across the lifespan.  It will identify enablers and barriers to effective  communication  and  how  these  may  affect  our  interaction  with  others.  It  will introduce  students  to  a  range  of  communication  techniques  and  strategies  essential  for the  development  and  maintenance  of  workplace  relationships  and  teamwork.  These  will enable  effective  interpersonal  and  therapeutic  communication,  including  clear expression of   ideas  and  views;  concise  and  confident  oral  and  written  communication  skills;  and tailoring  communication  styles  for  specific  audiences.  The  unit  will  be  offered  to students  to   promote  inter-professional  learning  as  required  by  the Health Professional’s  Accreditation  Standards, Professional Standards for Speech Pathologist in Australia (2020), National Quality Safeguarding Framework (2018),  National  Safety, Quality  Health  Service (NSQHS) Standards and Aged Care Quality Standards (2019).

•Communication Communication strategies and techniques Enablers and barriers to effective communication Language in context Communication technology etiquette, social media, health informatics, e-documentation Intercultural communication & cultural safety Inclusive communication NSQHS Standards especially Standard 6 on Communication Develop and assess graduate capabilities and Professional Standards of Practice allocated to this unit
•Interpersonal Communication Self-awareness and impact of our interactions with others Verbal and non-verbal communication Active listening and questioning skills Therapeutic and helping skills Empathy vs Sympathy Ethical decision making in communication Active, passive, and aggressive communication and its impacts Interviewing skills
•Working with others and inter-professional skills Group processes and dynamics Effective group membership and leadership Teamwork Conflict resolution skills Negotiation & Persuasion Networking and advocacy Maintaining professional health care relationships e-documentation, referral, and health informatics Inter and intra-professional communication strategies including ISBAR (Identify, Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation)
•Academic skills Public speaking Presentation skills Critical thinking & reflective thinking Professional writing for a specific audience Digital literacy
•Lifespan Development Biological beginnings Infancy Early childhood, Middle and late childhood Adolescence Early, middle and late adulthood Death and dying