The Cycles of Communication

** Understanding the Process**

Communication is more than just exchanging words; it also involves understanding and interpreting the information.
Communication is a process that requires the transmitter (person sending the message), the receiver (person getting the message), and the feedback mechanism to work properly.

The Different Stages of Communication

Ideation: The communicator thinks of an idea they wish to transmit.
Encoding: The idea is turned into a communicable message using language, symbols, gestures etc.
Transmission: The communicator sends the message via a communication channel, such as speaking, writing, body language etc.
Reception: The receiver gets the message, but understanding is not guaranteed at this stage.
Decoding: The receiver interprets the received message according to their own perception and understanding.
Understanding: At this point, the receiver has accurately understood the intended message.
Feedback: The receiver responds to the message, indicating their understanding or lack thereof.

Considerations and Adaptations

Care providers must consider the receiver’s context, background, health, and cognitive ability when transmitting a message.
The care provider may need to adapt their communication style to fit the receiver’s needs.
Feedback is crucial to ensure the message is understood. This might be a verbal response, a nod, or a written message.
Miscommunications in health and social care settings can have serious ramifications, making understanding of effective communication cycles important.

Barriers to Successful Communication

Physical barriers, such as hearing or visual impairments, can hinder the process at the reception or decoding stage.
Environmental factors, like noise, can interrupt the transmission stage.
Emotional or psychological issues can affect all stages of the cycle.
Language differences can make encoding and decoding difficult, affecting understanding.
Resolving these barriers to achieve effective communication is a key skill for those working in health and social care.