This unit encompasses the overarching aspects of clinical healthcare communication with patients, relatives and colleagues in Australia. As such, this unit covers aspects like cultural norms in both general and clinical communication, medico-legal concepts (informed consent, mandatory reporting of child abuse, confidentiality etc.) as well as dealing with common patient presentations and difficult patients. These can include depression, terminal illnesses, domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, alcoholism, angry patients etc. Moreover, this unit covers dealing with mental illness including patients with hallucinations, lack of insight and inappropriate behaviours.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.