AC 1 Develop own communication skills to support positive interactions with individuals

1. Understand the scope and benefits of communication and positive interaction in adult care

• 1.1 Describe how a range of theories, models and approaches apply to communication and interaction in adult care
• 1.2 Explain how positive interactions contribute to an individual’s wellbeing
• 1.3 Evaluate a range of strategies that support positive interactions for communication needs, differences and preferences
• 1.4 Explain how communication and positive interactions can support development of therapeutic relationships with individuals
• 1.5 Explain the importance of professional boundaries during communication and interaction with individuals

2. Understand how own skills and a range of factors influence the quality of interaction and communication

• 2.1 Describe how individual characteristics and circumstances may influence social interaction and communication
• 2.2 Explain how life history and experiences may influence the way an individual communicates
• 2.3 Explain the potential impact of own and others’ behaviour and attitudes on the quality of communication and interactions
• 2.4 Explain how own verbal communication skills should be used effectively during interactions
• 2.5 Describe how own non-verbal communication skills can enhance the level of interaction
• 2.6 Explain the potential impact of the environment during communication and interaction
• 2.7 Explain how an individual’s verbal and non-verbal responses inform own responses during an interaction

3. Understand how to adapt own communication in response to distress or conflict

• 3.1 Give examples of how different individuals may respond during times of stress or grief
• 3.2 Explain how an individual’s perception of power imbalance may contribute to their distress
• 3.3 Describe how behaviour can be interpreted as an expression of communication
• 3.4 Compare a proactive approach with a reactive approach when interacting with individuals
• 3.5 Describe ways to demonstrate empathy and understanding
• 3.6 Describe ways to facilitate expression of emotion within safe boundaries
• 3.7 Explain how positive interactions may be used to encourage deescalation
• 3.8 Analyse different responses that are likely to achieve a positive outcome

4. Understand the range of resources and aids used to support communication and interaction

• 4.1 Describe different forms of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) used to promote communication and interaction
• 4.2 Describe the range and role of specialists in promoting communication and positive interaction
• 4.3 Identify how to access help and support in situations that are beyond own limitations

5. Be able to demonstrate communication skills during positive interactions with individuals

• 5.1 Engage and interact with an individual using an appropriate communication style
• 5.2 Demonstrate empathy, understanding and validation throughout the interaction
• 5.3 Communicate throughout the interaction using language that is: • accessible to the individual • sensitive • reinforces the individual’s sense of identity and self-worth
• 5.4 Use verbal and non-verbal skills to apply positive reinforcement and validation
• 5.5 Adapt own communication as appropriate to individual reactions and responses

6. Be able to review and develop own communication skills

• 6.1 Reflect on own communication and interactions with individuals
• 6.2 Demonstrate self-awareness of the impact of own communication during interactions
• 6.3 Use reflection and feedback to review own communication skills
• 6.4 Plan opportunities for further development of own communication skills
• 6.5 Share and model good practice in communication and positive interactions with others