The Five Skills of Health Care Language Log
Create a log that demonstrates when and how you use various communication and language skills throughout the day.
Review the following list of communication actions and track the times when you exhibit each during one normal day. Use this week's readings as a resource. Keep a running tally in the Count and Time column of when you complete these actions, and estimate the time spent on each skill. Include an example of the skill exhibited in a health care setting. Reflect on any work experience you may have in the health care field. If you do not, provide examples from a consumer's perspective.
You may optionally create and include pie charts or bar graphs to enhance your log.
Skill
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Count and Time
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Example of Skill Used in a Health Care Setting
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Reading
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Listening
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Thinking (Analyzing and Understanding)
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Writing (Typing and Spelling)
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Speaking
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Describe in 150 to 350 words why effective communication in the health care industry depends on the refinement and proper use of these skills. What are consequences of not communicating effectively in health care?
Week One Vocabulary Exercise: Basic Health Care Language
Understanding health care terms is a prerequisite for both academic and professional success. This assignment is intended to ensure you understand some of the basic terms used in this course.
Complete the worksheet according to the following guidelines:
In the space provided, write each term's definition as used in health care. You must define the term in your own words; do not copy the definition from a textbook.
In the space provided after each term's definition, use the term in a sentence that illustrates the importance of the skill, concept, procedure, organization, or tool. In your explanation, you may wish to consider the following:
- How has it influenced health care?
- Why is it important to understand the appropriate application of the term or concept?
Save the completed worksheet as a Microsoft® Word document with your name in the file name.
Submit the file to your facilitator.
Term
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Definition
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Use the Term in a Sentence as it Applies to the Health Care Industry
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Example: Electronic health record
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Electronic health records are digital forms of entering and storing patient information.
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My doctor entered the diagnosis into his laptop and told me that the information would go into my electronic health record.
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Treatment
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Prevention
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Provider
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Ambulatory
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Copayment
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Inpatient
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Outpatient
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Culture
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Active Listening
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Empathy
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As you progress through your program, you are encouraged to continue to use your weekly vocabulary exercises to build a master glossary as a quick reference guide to use in your coursework and in your health care career.