Module Code - Title:

NM4161 - COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS IN NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

2

Tutorial

0

Other

3

Private

3

Credits

6

Grading Type:

N

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

This module will introduce skills and knowledge necessary for the development of respectful, equitable and effective communication in nursing and midwifery practice. The development of students' communication and interpersonal skills will be facilitated so as to enhance professional and therapeutic relationships.

Syllabus:

Communication theories, models. Person-centred communication principles. Therapeutic and professional relationships. Self-awareness and therapeutic use of self. Bridges and barriers in the development and maintenance of therapeutic relationships. Assertive communication. Communicating in challenging and difficult circumstances. Communicating information: recording clinical practice; communicating with colleagues; social media, email. Group communication. Interprofessional communication. Intercultural communication. Introduction to communicating with persons with impairments/disabilities including physical, sensory, cognitive, affective and intellectual. Self -care strategies including relaxation skills. Communication skills: verbal and non-verbal: listening; interviewing; breaking bad news; conflict situations; group communication and group dynamics; documentation; relaxation skills.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

Upon successful completion of this module the student will be able to: Discuss the underlying theories and models of communication Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of communicating with individuals with diverse needs

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

Upon successful completion of this module the student will be able to: Value person centred communication Demonstrate an appreciation of the value of self-awareness in effective communication Demonstrate an appreciation of the importance of possible enablers and challenges to the development of a therapeutic relationship

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

Upon successful completion of this module the student will be able to: Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills required for nursing and midwifery practice within and across cultures.

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

Participate in the learning environment through engagement in teaching and learning strategies e.g. lectures, clinical skills laboratories, discussions, group work, self-directed learning, recommended reading, reflection, seminars, small group teaching, practical demonstration, observation, case scenarios, role-play, use of audio-visual aids. Students will become knowledgeable, articulate and more collaborative in their approach to effective communication with patients/clients and with members of the health care team. Demonstrate knowledge of research and evidence based literature relating to communication and therapeutic relationships in nursing and midwifery practice. The module will incorporate relevant national and international health policy.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

Prime Texts:

Arnold, E. and Underman-Boggs, K. (2016) Interpersonal relationships: Professional communication skills for nurses, 6th ed. , St. Louis: Elsevier Saunders.

McCabe, C. and Timmons, F. (2013) Communication skills for nursing practice, 2nd ed. , Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.

Other Relevant Texts:

Balzar Riley, J. (2018) Communication in nursing, 8th ed. , St.Louis:Mosby.

Newman Giger, J., and Davidhizar, R. E. (2017) Transcultural nursing assessment and intervention, 7th ed. , St.Louis: Mosby.

England,.C. (2012) Communication skills for midwives: Challenges in Everyday Practice , UK: McGraw-Hill Education

Beukelman, D and P. Mirenda (2020) Augmentative and alternative communication: supporting children and adults with complex communication needs. 5th edition , Baltimore: Brookes Publishing Co.

Webb, L. (2019) Communications Skills in Nursing Practice , UK: SAGE publishers

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

BSNUGEUFA - NURSING (GENERAL)

BSNUIDUFA - NURSING (INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY)

BSNUMHUFA - NURSING (MENTAL HEALTH)

BSMIDWUFA - MIDWIFERY

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Autumn

Module Leader:

teresa.g.tuohy@ul.ie