Communication Skills-1
Communication Skills-1
Communication Skills-1
PST 04106
Communication Skills
NTA Level 4 Semester 1
Facilitator Guide
December 2016
Copyright © Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children – 2016
ii
Table of Contents
Background .............................................................................................................. iv
Acknowledgment .......................................................................................................v
Introduction ............................................................................................................. vii
Abbreviations/Acronym ........................................................................................... ix
Session 1: Introduction to Communication Skills ...................................................1
Session 2: Media of Communication .........................................................................7
Session 3: The Process of Communication.............................................................14
Session 4: Using Skills of Communication .............................................................19
Session 5: Barriers to Effective Communication ....................................................24
Session 6: Writing Formal Letters and Technical Reports ......................................30
Session 7: Customer Care in Provision of Pharmaceutical Services .......................40
Session 8: Communicating to Patients/Clients with Special Needs ........................46
iii
Background
There is currently an ever increasing demand for pharmaceutical personnel in Tanzania.
This is due to expanding investment in public and private pharmaceutical sector. Shortage of
trained pharmaceutical human resource contributes to poor quality of pharmaceutical
services and low access to medicines in the country (GIZ, 2012).
Key activities in the implementation of this project included carrying out situational analysis,
curriculum review and harmonization, development of training manual/facilitators guide,
development of assessment plan, training of trainers and supportive supervision.
After the curricula were reviwed and harmonized, the process of developing standardised
training materials was started in August 2015 through Writer‟s Workshop (WW) approach.
The approach included two workshops (of two weeks each) for developing draft documents
and a one-week workshop for reviewing, editing and formatting the sessions of the modules.
The training package for pharmacy cadres includes a Facilitator Guide, Assessment plan and
Practicum. There are 12 modules for NTA level 4 making 12 Facilitator guides and one
Practicum guide.
iv
Acknowledgment
The developmentof standardized training materials of a competence-based curriculum for
pharmaceutical sciences has been accomplished through involvement of different
stakeholders.
Special thanks go to the Pharmacy Council for spearheading the harmonization of training
materials in the pharmacy after noticing that training institutions in Tanzania were using
different curricula and train their students differently.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to St. Luke Foundation (SLF)/Kilimanjaro School of
Pharmacy –Moshi for their tireless efforts to mobilize funds from development partners.
Particular thanks are due to those who led this important process to its completion, Mrs Stella
M. Mpanda, Director Childbirth SurvivalIntenational and Members from the secretariat of
National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) for facilitating the process.
Finally, I very much appreciate the contributions of the tutors and content experts
representing PTIs, hospitals, and other health training institutions. Their participation in
meetings and workshops, and their input in the development of this training
manual/facilitators guide have been invaluable.
v
Mr. Peter Benedict KSP
Mr, Wensaa E. Muro KSP
Ms. Dilisi J. Makawia KSP
Mr. Nsabo Y. Kihore KSP
Mr. Kolonjoi Olekiyapi KSP
Ms. Julieth Koimerek KSP
Rev. Baraka A.M. Kabudi MEMS
Mr. Kelvin E. Mtanililwa Royal Pharmaceutilcal Training Institute
Mr. George Kilimanjaro Royal Pharmaceutilcal Training Institute
Ms. Rose Bulilo CEDHA
Ms. Diana H. Gamuya CEDHA
Dr.Melkiory Masatu CEDHA
Dr.Benny Mboya CEDHA
Mr. Jackson Shayo CEDHA
Dr. Peter A. Sala CEDHA
Mr. Goodluck Mdugi RuCU
Mr. Gaspar Baltazary RuCU
Mr. Silvester Andrew St. Peter College
Mr. Emanuel Mayunga St. Peter College
Mr. Habel A. Habel City College of Health and Allied Sciences
Ms. Zaina Msami Meru District Council
Mr. John Paschal Mount Meru Regional Hospital
Mr. Mugisha G. Wilson JSI
Mr. Matiko M. Machage JSI
Mr. Dickson Mtalitinya SIBS
Mr. Nemes P. Uisso Moshi District Council
Dr. O. Gowele
Director of Human Resources Development
Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children
vi
Introduction
Module Overview
This module content is a guide for tutors of Pharmaceutical schools for training of students.
The session contents are based on sub-enabling outcomes and their related tasks of the
curriculum for Basic Technician Course in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The module sub-
enabling outcomes and their related tasks are as indicated in the Basic Technician Certificate
in Pharmaceutical Sciences (NTA Level 4) Curriculum.
Target Audience
This module is intended for use primarily by tutors of pharmaceutical schools. The module‟s
sessions give guidance on the time, activities and provide information on how to teach the
session. The sessions include different activities which focus on increasing students‟
knowledge, skills and attitudes.
vii
Instructions for Use and Facilitators Preparation
Tutors are expected to use the module as a guide to train students in the classroom and
skills laboratory
The contents of the modules are the basis for teaching and learning Communication
Skills.
Use the session contents as a guide
The tutors are therefore advised to read each session and the relevant handouts and
worksheets as preparation before facilitating the session
Tutors need to prepare all the resources, as indicated in the resource section or any other
item, for an effective teaching and learning process
Plan a schedule (timetable) of the training activities
Facilitators are expected to be innovative to make the teaching and learning process
effective
Read the sessions before facilitation; make sure you understand the contents in order to
clarify points during facilitation
Time allocated is estimated, but you are advised to follow the time as much as possible,
and adjust as needed
Use session activities and exercises suggested in the sessions as a guide
Always involve students in their own learning. When students are involved, they learn
more effectively
Facilitators are encouraged to use real life examples to make learning more realistic
Make use of appropriate reference materials and teaching resources available locally
viii
Abbreviations/Acronym
ix
Session 1: Introduction to Communication Skills
Total Session Time: 120 minutes + 2 hours Assignment
Prerequisites
None
Resources Needed:
Flip charts, marker pens, and masking tape
Black/white board and chalk/whiteboard markers
Computer and LCD projector
SESSION OVERVIEW
Activity/
Step Time Content
Method
1 05 minutes Presentation Introduction, Learning Tasks
1
SESSION CONTENTS
Effective Communication
o Process in which message is effectively conceived, organised, transmitted,
received and responded to
ALLOW few pairs to respond and let other pairs to add on points not mentioned
Importance of communication
Management
2
Office
It helps the office to communicate the management decision to different levels of staff
and outsiders
People often say one thing but seem to feel a different way
o Crying while saying, „I am fine‟
o Saying that you are listening when you are not making eye contact with the speaker
and you are looking all around the room while the speaker is talking
o Saying that you are not bored or tired when you are yawning
3
o There is feedback through discarding certain ideas and replacing them with new
ideas
o Largely influenced by experiences one has gone through, and relationships with
other people
ASK each group to select a speaker, a listener and an observer for the first round. (Speaker
and listener will switch roles for the second round so they are given a chance to play both
roles).
TELL the speakers to choose a topic that interests them, something that they feel they can
speak about for 2 minutes. It does not matter what topic they choose to speak on as long as
they can speak for 2 minutes about it.
TELL the listener that s/he is not supposed to speak during the 2 minutes but should
concentrate on using the non-verbal communication to ensure the speaker that s/he is
listening.
TELL the observer to pay attention to both the speaker and the listener, in order to provide
feedback regarding both of their verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
CONDUCT a large group discussion using the following questions after each student has
had a chance to be the speaker:
• How did it feel to speak for 2 minutes without being interrupted?
• Did you feel that your partner was listening to you? Why or why not?
• Did you feel that your partner understood you? Why or why not?
• How did you know that your partner was listening and understanding?
•For the observer: Did you think the listener was showing active listening? Why or why not?
What could he or she do better?
SUMMARISE the activity with the following points: • This exercise demonstrates the
impact of verbal and non-verbal communication. • Through this exercise we have learned the
necessity of being aware of both verbal and non-verbal communication in the healthcare
setting.
4
STEP 6: Key Point (10 minutes)
Communication is transfer of information to achieve a goal
Communication can either be verbal on non-verbal or Interpersonal or intrapersonal
It is important to be aware of both verbal and non-verbal communication in the healthcare
setting.
Effective communication helps organizations and individuals to work efficiently
5
References
Burger,B.A. (2009) Communication skills for pharmacist; building relationships,
improving patient care (4th ed.). New York: American pharmacist association
Burnard, P. (1992). A communication skills guide for health care workers (1st ed.). London:
Edward Anorld
Hubley, J. (1993). Communicating Health. An action guide to health education and health
promotion (1sted.). London: Macmillan
Kadeghe, M. (2005) Communication skills; theory and practice (3rded.). Dar essalaam:
Afroplus Industries Ltd.
Mahundu, C.M. (1999). A manual on communication skills (1st ed.). Ndanda: Benedictine
Publishers
6
Session 2: Media of Communication
Prerequisites
None
Students LearningTasks
By the end of this session students are expected to be able to:
Define media of communication
Explain types of communication media
Explain advantages and disadvantages of communication media
Describe factors influencing choice/selection of communication media
Resources Needed
Flip charts, marker pens, and masking tape
Black/white board and chalk/whiteboard markers
Computer and LCD Projector
SESSION OVERVIEW
Activity/
Step Time Content
Method
1 05 minutes Presentation Introduction, Learning Tasks
10 minutes Presentation Definition of Communication media
2
Brainstorming
3 15 minutes Presentation Types of Communication Media
7
SESSION CONTENTS
Media of communication are those channels that the message passes to get to the target
receiver or audience.
Visual medium: Relies on the eye for impression and information, for examples; use of
diagrams, symbols, posters, pictures, billboards, projected images and sign languages
Oral medium: Message is passed by words of mouth, for examples; Telephone calls, face
to face conversation, radio broadcast, group discussion and speeches
Audio medium: This involves electronic media employing sound signals, for example the
use of radio
8
STEP 4: Advantages and Disadvantages of Communication Media(35
minutes)
Activity: Buzzing (10 minutes)
ASK students to pair up and buzz on the following question for 2 minutes
ALLOW few pairs to respond and let other pairs to add on points not mentioned
Written medium
Advantages:
It provides a permanent record of information
It is widely accessed compared to other media
Facilitates organisational performance by standardisation of standards, formalisation of
appointments and delegation of duties
It binds legally-whatever is agreed in on, put in writing and signed becomes a formal
commitment supported by the Laws
Disadvantages:
Costly in terms of time, energy, material and logistics
Quick clarification is not available (feedback)
Requires skills and competence in the use of language and vocabulary
Visual medium
Advantages:
Wide reach
Simple, high status with standardised meaning
Saves time
Disadvantages:
They are risky-based on the trust that the audience has a capacity to interpret signs
intended by a sender
Oral medium
Advantages:
Provides high level of understanding and transparency
Flexible- adjustments and changes can be done during presentation
Feedback can be given immediately
It is cheap
It is a common medium used in conflict resolution
It promote friendly relation
Better medium for transmitting private and confidential information
9
Disadvantages:
Has no immediate permanent records,
It rely only on oral communication which may not be sufficient in business settings
It is less authentic than written medium
Audio medium
Advantages:
Medium to wide reach
High status
Good for simple messages and slogans
Relatively inexpensive (compared to Audio-visual media
Can help to generate interests, awareness and excitement
Disadvantages
Programmes not always on at convenient times
No room for interaction
Audio only, no visual communication
Audio-visual medium
Advantages:
Self-sufficient-it employs visual image back-up for audio presentation
It has long lasting impact (images aid retention)
It has broader catchment
Disadvantages:
Limited chances for clarification and feedback
Risks of communication breakdown
Expensive
Not everyone has a television set
Programmes not always on at convenient times
ALLOW few groups to present and the rest to add points not mentioned
10
The following are factors to be considered when choosing medium of communication:
Reliability
Effective communication is that which links the sender and the audience well.
One should consider the channel chosen is reliable.
For example it is pointless to send a message that will not be delivered to the intended
recipient.
Receiver
The choice of media of communication should be appropriate to the receiver.
For example, understanding the capacity and interest of audience, literacy level,
Other consideration can include gender, social status, cultural background, etc.
Level of Formality
Some kinds of communication are more formal than others and demand a more formal way
of sending than others
For example; Orders and requests must be sent using formal letters and not oral or visual
communication
Confidentiality
Some messages are confidential and should be read or heard only by intended recipients.
For example; the results of the medical test on HIV/AIDS are meant for patient only, unless
he decides to release them to other people.There are other information that has to be kept
confidential. When one aims at secrecy, letter will achieve the aim. In other communication
systems, secrecy may leak out to unwanted persons.
Cost
Some media of communication are more expensive than others
For example; a short local telephone call is cheaper than a letter in terms of typing and
stationary used and postage. Therefore before adopting any system, the expenses in different
means may also be considered. The material cost (stationery) and labour cost in preparing the
letter, making a phone call, writing e-mail or using television programmes should be
considered.
Speed
The urgency of the message is also considered during choosing the medium of
communication.
Oral communication can be faster compared to writing a letter.One must speed up the
transmission of message on the basis of importance and urgency of transaction. If the party is
available in the transacted place, oral communication is enough. If the party is not around that
place, telephonic message is good. If the matter is not urgent, a mere letter will be sufficient.
Accuracy
If the accuracy of the message is the prime motive, written media will serve the purpose for
example using emails or letter. Telephonic conversation might be misheard by the other
party. Therefore, the communication medium which is selected should ensure accuracy in the
transmission of messages.
11
Record
Record of the message is essential and is possible only if it is in writing. For this purpose,
duplicate copies of the letters can be preserved and they are good proof against disputes,
relating to the information, in future. There is no record for oral communication.
Distance
Distance between the persons who are parties to communication is an important factor. If
distance is too short, face to face communication is suitable. If there is distance, message can
be transmitted through phone or telegram or letter.
12
References
Burger,B.A. (2009) Communication skills for pharmacist; building relationships,
improving patient care (4th ed.). New York: American pharmacist association
Burnard, P. (1992). A communication skills guide for health care workers (1sted.). London:
Edward Anorld
13
Session 3: The Process of Communication
Prerequisites
None
Resources Needed
Flip charts, marker pens, and masking tape
Black/white board and chalk/whiteboard markers
Computer and LCD Projector
SESSION OVERVIEW
Activity/
Step Time Content
Method
1 05 minutes Presentation Introduction, Learning Tasks
25 minutes Presentation
2 Elements of Communication
Buzzing
60 minutes Presentation
3 Small Group The Process of Communication
Discussion
4 10 minutes Presentation Key Points
14
SESSION CONTENTS
ALLOW few pairs to respond and let other pairs to add on points not mentioned
ALLOW few groups to present and the rest to add on points not mentioned
15
The elements of the Process of Communication
Source
o Initiator/originator of the message
o Bear initial purpose of the communication process cycle
o Source can be an individual, organisation or government ministry
o Source can also become recipient or the receiver of the message when sender give
feedback
Message
o Refers to content of communication. Pieces of information transmitted from the
source (sender) to the receiver at each cycle.
o The message can be either verbal or non-verbal
Channel
o Path or medium through which the message passes from the source towards the target
receiver.
o For example written, oral, visual and audio visual channels
Receiver
o Person whom message is intended.
o Receiver interpret the message and give the response
Feedback
o Response of the receiver to the sender‟s message
o Confirms the level of success of a communication process
16
STEP 6: Key Points(10 minutes)
The elements of communication are a speaker/sender/source, message, channel,
receiver/recipient and feedback
The process of communication employs all elements to complete the cycle so as to get
effective communication
17
References
Burger,B.A. (2009) Communication skills for pharmacist; building relationships,
improving patient care (4th ed.). New York: American pharmacist association
Burnard, P. (1992). A communication skills guide for health care workers (1sted.). London:
Edward Anorld
Communicating Health. An action guide to health education and health promotion (1sted.).
London: MacmillanKadeghe, M. (2005) Communication skills; theory and practice
(3rded.). Dar essalaam: Afroplus Industries Ltd.
Kariuki, M. K.&Munga E. C. (2011)Fundamentals of communication skills (1st ed.).
Mwanza: Victoria Education Promotional Centre Ltd.
Kurtz, S.,Silnerman,.J.& Draper, J. (1998) Teaching and learning communication skills in
medicine (1st ed.). London:Raddiffe Medical Place Ltd.
Mahundu, C.M. (1999). A manual on communication skills (1sted.). Ndanda: Benedictine
Publishers
Pitt, B. (1991). Health, teacher’s diploma communication. Harare: MOH
Rungapaidiachy, D. M. (1999) Interpersonal communication and psychology (1sted.).
Massachusetts: Butterworth-Heinemann
18
Session 4: Using Skills of Communication
Prerequisites
None
Students LearningTasks
By the end of this session students are expected to be able to:
Define communication skill
Describe different types of communication skills
Describe principles of effective communication
Demonstrate communication skills
Resources Needed
Flip charts, marker pens, and masking tape
Black/white board and chalk/whiteboard markers
Computer and LCD Projector
SESSION OVERVIEW
Activity/
Step Time Content
Method
1 05 minutes Presentation Introduction, Learning Tasks
Presentation
2 10 minutes Definition of Communication Skill
Brainstorming
Presentation
3 25 minutes Types of Communication Skills
Buzzing
55 minutes Presentation
4 Small Group Principles of Effective Communication
Discussion
5 05 minutes Presentation Key Points
19
SESSION CONTENTS
ALLOW few pairs to respond and let other pair to add on points not mentioned
Listening skill: It is the ability to hear and understand the messages that others are
communicating. These messages are transmitted verbally or non-verbally
Reading skill: These are skills that enable the reader in interpreting and deriving meaning
from written or printed text
Presentation skill: These are skills that will enable your message to be delivered
effectively
Writing skill: It is a process in which mental concepts and ideas are presented through
readable forms
20
Non-verbal skill: Non-verbal is communication through body language for example eye
contact, facial expression, hand gestures and head nod. It often takes on more meaning in
interpersonal and/or emotional exchanges
ALLOW few groups to present and the rest to add points not mentioned
21
Speak loudly and clearly
Organize your talk
Use them with care to avoid misunderstanding. This is evidenced by the fact that some
nonverbal communication has the same meaning across cultures
22
References
Burger,B.A. (2009) Communication skills for pharmacist; building relationships,
improving patient care (4thed.). New York: American pharmacist association
Burnard, P. (1992). A communication skills guide for health care workers (1sted.). London:
Edward Anorld
Kadeghe, M. (2005) Communication skills; theory and practice (3rded.). Dar essalaam:
Afroplus Industries Ltd.
23
Session 5: Barriers to Effective Communication
Prerequisites
None
Learning Tasks
By the end of this session students are expected to be able to:
Define barriers to effective communication
Explain barriers to effective communication
Resources Needed
Flip charts, marker pens, and masking tape
Black/white board and chalk/whiteboard markers
Computer and LCD Projector
SESSION OVERVIEW
Activity/
Step Time Content
Method
1 05 minutes Presentation Introduction, Learning Tasks
Presentation Definition of Barriers to Effective
2 10 minutes
Brainstorming Communication
Presentation
3 80 minutes Small Group Barriers to Effective Communication
Discussion
4 05 minutes Presentation Key Points
24
SESSION CONTENTS
These are factors that reduce the intended smooth flow of information, or completely cut off
the process of communication.
25
STEP 3: Barriers of Communication (80 minutes)
INFORM the students that they are going to do an exercise and the exercise will start from
the first student passing a message and each will pass the message to next student until all
students get a turn. If necessary, divide a large class into two groups to do the exercise.
INSTRUCT the student to whisper the message to the second student in the same row
LET the second student whisper to the third student the message, then third whispers to the
fourth, then the fourth to the fifth until all the students had a chance to hear and whisper the
message to another student
INSTRUCT the last student to write down the whispered message and read out loud to the
whole class.
ASK the first student to read the written message loudly and compare the two messages.
COMPARE with the actual message by reading it aloud. There will be laughter, as always
there is distortion.
ASK the students what they have learned from the exercise. Let them brainstorm and write
on the flipchart: • Where there barriers to communication? • How effective was the channel
of communication? • Would giving feedback helped to clear up confusion?
SUMMARISE the exercise by informing them that information can be distorted if not passed
properly using appropriate channel and without feedback.
Barriers to Communication
Psychological barrier:
There are barriers of communication that arise out of human behavior and metal processes
which include;
Emotions:
For example a message may be interesting and good if the sender is happy. If the receiver
feels that the sender is angry, interpretation is that the information being communicated is
very bad
Inattentiveness:
o Senders and receivers must pay attention to their roles, for a successful and effective
communication process
o Inattentiveness can result from several reasons, for example if the information being
passed has nothing new, or if there distractions in the environment of communication
Poor retention:
One may not always retain what is received if there is interest in the message being
communicated
Semantic barriers:
o Semantics refers to how meanings are obtained from the language used
o Semantics barrier occurs when the communicating partner interpret some words or
statement differently
28
References
Burnard, P. (1992). A communication skills guide for health care workers (1sted.). London:
Communicating Health. An action guide to health education and health promotion
(1sted.). London: Macmillan
Kadeghe, M. (2005) Communication skills; theory and practice (3rd ed.). Dar essalaam:
Afroplus Industries Ltd.
Kariuki, M. K.&Munga E. C. (2011)Fundamentals of communication skills (1st ed.).
Mwanza: Victoria Education Promotional Centre Ltd.
Kurtz, S. Silnerman,.J. &Draper, J. (1998) Teaching and learning communication skills in
medicine (1st ed.). London:Raddiffe Medical Place Ltd.
Mahundu, C.M. (1999). A manual on communication skills (1st ed.). Ndanda: Benedictine
Publishers
Pitt, B. (1991). Health, teacher’s diploma communication. Harare: MOH
Rungapaidiachy, D. M. (1999) Interpersonal communication and psychology (1st ed.).
Massachusetts: Butterworth-Heinemann
29
Session 6: Writing Formal Letters and Technical Reports
Prerequisites
None
LearningTasks
By the end of this session students are expected to be able to:
Define formal letter and technical report
List common types of formal letters and technical reports
Explain essential components of formal letters and technical reports
Write formal letters and technical reports
Resources Needed:
Flip charts, marker pens, and masking tape
Black/white board and chalk/whiteboard markers
Computer and LCD Projector
Handout 6.1: Formal Letters
Handout 6.2: Sample Technical Report
SESSION OVERVIEW
Activity/
Step Time Content
Method
1 05 minutes Presentation Introduction, Learning Tasks
Presentation
2 05 minutes Definition of a Formal Letter
Brainstorming
10 minutes Presentation
3 Common Types of Formal Letters
Presentation
4 25 minutes Essential Components of a Formal Letter
Buzzing
5 10 minutes Presentation Formal Letter Writing
Presentation
6 05 minutes Definition of Technical Report
Brainstorming
Presentation
7 10 minutes Common Types of Technical Reports
Presentation
8 15minutes Essential Components of a Technical Report
Buzzing
9 10minutes Presentation Technical Report Writing
30
SESSION CONTENTS
Letter of inquiry
Letter of offer
Letter of acknowledgement
Letter of acceptance
Letter of complaint
Letter of application
Letter of resignation
Recommendation letter
Cover letter
Order letter
Follow-up letter
31
STEP 4: Essential Components of a Formal Letter(25 minutes)
Activity: Buzzing (10 minutes)
ASK students to pair up and buzz on the following question for 2 minutes
ALLOW few pairs to respond and let other pair to add on points not mentioned
Writer’s address
This can be:
Personal address to include street/location and postal office box number/city
Company address to include company‟s name, street location or postal address and city
Date
Full calendar date of when the letter was written, for example 06 September 2015.
Reference number
A number useful for reference by a recipient for relevant matters.
Receiver’s/Reader’s address
Address of the reader to include reader‟s name/title, Company Street or postal address and
city
Salutation
It set the speed for the tone of the letter. For example, Dear Sir, with first names or
Surname name
The use of salutation is determined by the relationship between the sender and the
receiver.
Complementary close
It is determined by the salutation, such as;
o “Dear Sir” takes a “Yours faithfully”, complementary close,
o With a “Dear Mr/Mrs”, salutation, takes a “Yours sincerely” complementary close.
A technical report is a specific form of writing that is organized to guide management and
organization to make decisions.
33
STEP 7: Common Types of Technical Reports (10 minutes)
Common Types of Technical Reports
Investigative reports:
Any organization or Government can commission a report to investigate a matter, a
question or a situation
Informative reports:
Require written information about a certain issue/topic
Business reports:
It is written administrative reports
Special reports:
o Reports specific to certain organization
o Contents of reports relate specifically to the work of the place/area, for example
hospital reports, pharmacy reports and Court reports (deals with matters relating to
Court of Law).
Short report
o Title page
o Introduction
o Discussion
o Recommendations
o References
Science report
o Title page
o Introduction
o Method & materials
o Results
o Discussion
o Conclusion
o Appendices
o References
Business report
o Title page
o Executive summary
34
o Table of contents
o Introduction
o Discussion
o Conclusion
o Recommendations
o Appendices
o References
There are various types of formal letters and technical reports depending on the need
and purpose
In writing formal letters and technical reports it is important to consider the essential
components and guidelines
35
STEP 12: Assignment (10 minutes)
36
References
Burger,B.A. (2009) Communication skills for pharmacist; building relationships,
improving patient care (4th ed.). New York: American pharmacist association
Burnard, P. (1992). A communication skills guide for health care workers (1st ed.). London:
Edward Anorld
Hubley, J (1993).Communicating Health. An action guide to health education and health
promotion (1sted.). London: MacmillanKadeghe, M. (2005) Communication skills;
theory and practice (3rded.). Dar essalaam: Afroplus Industries Ltd.
Kariuki, M. K.&Munga, E. C. (2011)Fundamentals of communication skills (1st ed.).
Mwanza: Victoria Education Promotional Centre Ltd.
Kurtz, S.,Silnerman,.J.& Draper, J. (1998) Teaching and learning communication skills in
medicine (1st ed.). London:Raddiffe Medical Place Ltd.
Mahundu, C.M. (1999). A manual on communication skills (1sted.). Ndanda: Benedictine
Publishers
Pitt, B. (1991). Health, teacher’s diploma communication. Harare: MOH
Rungapaidiachy, D. M. (1999) Interpersonal communication and psychology (1sted.).
Massachusetts: Butterworth-Heinemann
37
Handout 6.1 Sample of Official Letter
38
Handout 6.2: Writing Formal/Technical Report
A formal report provides information and presents recommendations based on that
information.
o Examples include weekly/monthly reports, research reports and problem
solving reports.
Each type of report has its own specific requirements for effective preparation, but
general guidelines can be applied to all formal reports using the following format;
2. Body
Introduction: The purpose, problem statement, background information, research
methods, limitations and preview of the report
Discussion: Data, findings and results
Conclusion: Summary of purpose, problem statement, relevant background, research
methods and findings, recommendations to the reader on the best course of action
3. Back Matter
Appendix or appendices
Bibliography or references
Glossary
39
Session 7: Customer Care in Provision of Pharmaceutical
Services
Prerequisites
None
LearningTasks
By the end of this session students are expected to be able to:
Define a customer, customer service and customer care
Describe the importance of customer care in pharmaceutical services
Describe factors influencing customer care
Describe skills influencing customer care
Resources Needed
Flip charts, marker pens, and masking tape
Black/white board and chalk/whiteboard markers
Computer and LCD Projector
SESSION OVERVIEW
Activity/
Step Time Content
Method
1 05 minutes Presentation Introduction, Learning Tasks
Presentation Definitions of a Customer, Customer Service
2 15 minutes
Brainstorming and Customer Care
10 minutes Importance of Customer Care in
Presentation
3 Pharmaceutical Services
Buzzing
25 minutes Presentation
4 Factors Influencing Customer Care
Group Discussion
50 minutes Presentation
5 Skills Influencing Customer Care
Role Play
6 05 minutes Presentation Key Points
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SESSION CONTENTS
Who is a customer?
What is customer service?
What is customer care?
Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a
purchase. Accordingly, it may vary by product, service, industry and individual customer.
Customer care involves putting systems in place to maximize your customers' satisfaction
with your service.
o It should be a prime consideration for every service or business - your daily
functioning and performance at the pharmacy depends on keeping your customers
happy. So don't neglect the importance of customer care in all areas of your pharmacy
service or business.
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STEP 3: Importance of Customer Care in Pharmaceutical Services (10
minutes)
ALLOW few pairs to respond and let other pairs to add on points not mentioned
ALLOW few groups to present and the rest to add points not mentioned
There are several factors influencing customer care, also known as The Three Rs of
customer satisfaction as explained below;
o Results: Customer expects superior results from our product or service. They expect
the product or service to be the best value for their money.
In pharmacy, patients/clients expect medicines to be available and of good quality.
o Relationship: Customers expect a relationship that is consistent with their value
system. Here they expect to get relevant instructions especially on the use of
medicines
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o Resource: Customers expect the Dispenser to be a resource to help them solve their
problems. Patients/ clients expect the personnel to be competent in answering their
questions concerning medicines and health matters in general.
ASK each group to select a customer( patient), a care giver (Dispenser) and an observer
TELL the patient to act like s/he is suffering from Malaria and they come from Hospital with
a prescription of medicine, s/he present it to the Dispenser
TELL the Dispenser to attend to that patient applying principles of customer care.
TELL the observer to pay attention to both the patient and the dispenser, in order to provide
feedback regarding skills of customer care.
ASK if there are any questions before beginning the exercise for the groups.
ALLOW The Role Play to take place for the different groups.
At the end of the role play, the facilitator should „derole‟ before the large group discussion.
SUMMARISE the activity with the following points: • This exercise demonstrates the
impact of customer care service • Through this exercise we have learned the necessity of
being aware of the skills involved in customer care.
The following are Effective Customer Communication skills and techniques that can
influence customer satisfaction:
o Make your customers feel important and appreciated
o Remain calm in the most demanding situations
o Transform complaints into valuable customer feedback
o Become a master in the art of listening
o Be successful with the most difficult people
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Empathic listening:
o Listen for facts
o Let them complete sentences without interruption
o Restate what you think they said
o Listen for feelings
o Listen with non-verbal like nodding, leaning forward
o Listen for non-verbal – what is not said
Who is a customer?
What are customer services and customer cares?
What is the importance of customer care in pharmaceutical services?
What are the factors influencing customer care?
What are the skills influencing customer care?
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References
Burger,A. (2009) Communication skills for pharmacist; building relationships, improving
patient care (4th ed.). New York: American pharmacist association
Burnard, P. (1992). A communication skills guide for health care workers (1st ed.). London:
Edward Anorld
Hubley, J (1983)Communicating Health. An action guide to health education and health
promotion (1sted.). London: Macmillan
Kadeghe, M. (2005) Communication skills; theory and practice (3rded.). Dar essalaam:
Afroplus Industries Ltd.
Kariuki, M. K.&Munga E. C. (2011)Fundamentals of communication skills (1st ed.).
Mwanza: Victoria Education Promotional Centre Ltd.
Kurtz, S.,Silnerman,.J. &Draper, J. (1998) Teaching and learning communication skills in
medicine (1st ed.). London:Raddiffe Medical Place Ltd.
Mahundu, C.M. (1999). A manual on communication skills (1st ed.). Ndanda: Benedictine
Publishers
Pitt, B. (1991). Health, teacher’s diploma communication. Harare: MOH
Rungapaidiachy, D. M. (1999) Interpersonal communication and psychology (1sted.).
Massachusetts: Butterworth-Heinemann
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Session 8: Communicating to Patients/Clients with Special
Needs
Prerequisites
None
Students LearningTasks
By the end of this session students are expected to be able to:
Identify patients/clients with special needs
Describe communication techniques used for patients/clients with special needs
Resources Needed
Flip charts, marker pens, and masking tape
Black/white board and chalk/whiteboard markers
Computer and LCD Projector
SESSION OVERVIEW
Activity/
Step Time Content
Method
1 05 minutes Presentation Introduction, Learning Tasks
Presentation
2 25 minutes Patients/Clients With Special Needs
Buzzing
60 minutes Presentation Different Communication Techniques Used
3 Small Group for Patients/Clientswith Special Needs
Discussion
4 10 minutes Presentation Key Points
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SESSION CONTENTS
ALLOW few pairs to respond and let other pairs to add on points not mentioned
ALLOW few groups to present and the rest to add on points not mentioned
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The following are techniques for communicating to patients with special needs
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Patients with mental disability
Move from a public area with lots of distractions to a quieter, more private area.
Be prepared to repeat what you say, orally or in writing.
Ask the patient if you can help filling out forms or giving written instructions.
Be patient, flexible, and supportive.
Take time during communication so that everyone understands each other.
DIVIDE students into FIVE groups according to special needs. Each group should represent
one category of patients with special need.
Each group should present their role play in the following plenary session
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References
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