These free B.Pharm notes on elements and models of communication in healthcare cover chapter 11 of Healthcare Psychology and Communication Skills, a first-semester subject. Read the key points below, then study the complete chapter PDF. You can browse every chapter in the Healthcare Psychology and Communication Skills category.
Table of Contents
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Overview of elements and models of communication in healthcare
This chapter explains health communication and the move from the biomedical model to patient-centred communication. It describes the seven elements of healthcare communication: source, message, channel, receiver, feedback, noise and context. It also outlines four models: Berlo’s SMCR model, the Health Belief Model, the Transtheoretical Model and the patient-centred model.
Key points on elements and models of communication in healthcare
- Health communication is the study and use of communication strategies to inform and influence the health decisions of individuals and communities.
- Patient-centred communication is based on partnership, where the provider brings medical expertise and the patient brings knowledge of his own body, values and life.
- The elements of healthcare communication are source, message, channel, receiver, feedback, noise and context, and together they decide how well a message is understood.
- Noise is anything that disturbs a message, and it can be physical, physiological, psychological or semantic, such as jargon or a language barrier.
- The Transtheoretical Model describes behaviour change in five stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance, and communication is matched to the present stage.
Relevance to pharmacy practice
Medical knowledge reaches patient outcomes only through communication, and a clinical misunderstanding can cause misdiagnosis, medication errors or harm. A pharmacist who knows the elements and models can explain medicines clearly, check understanding through feedback and match advice to the patient’s stage.
Every chapter in this subject builds on the one before it, so do not skip topics that look simple. Definitions, classifications and examples are the parts that examiners return to most often, and a clear understanding here will also make later subjects easier to follow in the coming semesters.
Frequently asked questions on elements and models of communication in healthcare
What are the elements of communication in healthcare?
The elements are source, message, channel, receiver, feedback, noise and context. The source sends a message through a channel to a receiver, who gives feedback, while noise and context affect the exchange.
What is the difference between the biomedical and patient-centred models?
In the biomedical model communication is one-way, with the doctor holding all knowledge and the patient obeying. The patient-centred model is a partnership that uses active listening, empathy and shared decision-making.
What is the Health Belief Model?
It explains why people act on their health. A person acts when he feels the illness is serious and that he is at risk, believes the action will help, and gets a cue to act.
Quick revision checklist
Use this self-test after reading the chapter on elements and models of communication in healthcare. If you can do all of the following without looking at your notes, you are ready for the exam.
- I can explain: the elements of communication
- I can explain: the types of noise in healthcare
- I can explain: Berlo’s SMCR model
- I can explain: the Health Belief Model
- I can explain: the stages of change
Study and exam tips
Start by reading the chapter once for the overall idea, then revise elements and models of communication in healthcare using headings, definitions, classifications and examples. Short-answer questions in the university exam usually ask for definitions, features, advantages, disadvantages and examples, so write these in your own words and practise drawing the tables and flow charts that the chapter has.
For wider reading, standard textbooks and open resources such as the NCBI Bookshelf help you confirm terms and see more examples. Revise elements and models of communication in healthcare again a day later and again a week later, because spaced revision improves long-term memory.
This page is part of the Healthcare Psychology and Communication Skills series for first-semester B.Pharm students on B.Pharm Guru, where every chapter has a short summary and a full PDF. Bookmark this page and share it with classmates who are preparing for the same exam.
Related notes: 13. BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN CLINICAL SETTINGS, 14. ACTIVE LISTENING, QUESTIONING TECHNIQUES AND EMPATHY.
Previous: 10. COPING STRATEGIES, RESILIENCE AND STRESS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES. Next: 12. TYPES OF COMMUNICATION – INTERPERSONAL, GROUP, MASS AND TELEHEALTH. Back to the Healthcare Psychology and Communication Skills category.
