As a future occupational therapist, it is evident the significance of communication in promoting patient-centred care and positive health outcomes (Gordon, Deland & Kelly, 2015).
The aspect I found difficult was the group project, as I struggled with the confidence to perform with an audience. However, through communicating with my peers about my concerns and their support, my confidence improved and we were able to achieve fantastic results. I also found conducting the health professional interview difficult, as it was intimidating to be on the other end of questions you would normally be answering.
Even though performing in front of the class was at first daunting, it came to be one of the most rewarding experiences of the unit. It enabled me to practice my communication skills, get feedback, and boosted my confidence about my capability as a future health professional. I also enjoyed creating the videos and animations I used throughout my e-Portfolio, as it showcased my understanding of the unit.
Learning about the barriers to communication will facilitate my future practice when interacting with others to ensure I utilise effective communication strategies, and can recognise and avoid actions that would otherwise lead to ineffective communication. Additionally, working in a group helped me to develop my conflict-resolution skills, which I can replicate in my future career. Furthermore, through learning about the importance of active listening, I can adopt this essential skill in practice so that my clients feel valued and understood.