PCSBV VOLUNTEER TRAINING PROGRAM

MODULE 3: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS
What is Effective Communication?
To begin, please read module 2 of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association's handbook, Effective_Communication_Skills20200827-8893-1nb8kk3
LISTENING SELF-ASSESSMENT EXERCISE
The Power of Listening
William Ury | TEDxSanDiego
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. William Ury explains how listening is the essential, and often overlooked, half of communication. His stories of candid conversations with presidents and business leaders provide us with impactful lessons, such as understanding the power of a human mind opening up. He asks us to join a listening revolution, and promises that if we all just listen a little bit more, we can transform any relationship.
Common Listening Misconceptions
Click HERE to read the article at the website, "AFS Consulting."
Communicating with Tact & Diplomacy, Part 4: Common Listening Misconceptions
By Doug Jordan|April 21st, 2015| AFS Consulting
We are all capable of listening effectively in different situations and to different people. Listening effectively is, however, an active process – something we have to do consciously and something that takes practice. Yet there are obstacles to our ability, or willingness, to become better listeners.
Here are some common misconceptions, or myths, about listening...
Brené Brown on Empathy
REFLECTIVE LISTENING EXERCISE
Reflective listening is responding to both the feelings and content of the speaker to show that you are attentive and understand the meaning behind what they are saying.
In this exercise, consider the response that best fits the description of ‘reflective listening’ for each of the statements.
PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
Respecting Privacy
To respect the person’s and family’s right to privacy, you do not disclose:
- who you are caring for
- the state of wellness of the ill person or family members
- anything that is said to you by the person and/or family members
- anything that you observe or overhear during your assignment
- how the person died
- how the family members grieve.
Respecting privacy can be particularly difficult if you live in a small community where everyone knows everyone else. Neighbours and friends of the dying person and family may know that you are a volunteer and ask you questions. In those situations, you should always suggest that they talk directly to the family.
Protecting Confidentiality
Confidentiality means “entrusted with secrets”. As a member of the care team, you may have access to other people’s personal and health information. You are required to keep all that information confidential.
Breaching of confidentiality by a volunteer is a serious breach of ethics and may result in termination.
The only time it is acceptable to break confidentiality is when there is an unacceptable risk of harm to the individual or someone else, such as:
- a communicable disease that must be reported by law to the authorities (This is done by the nurse and/or physician.)
- a medical condition (e.g. mental illness) that may result in personal harm or harm to others
- reasonable suspicion of abuse.
COMPLETE THE MODULE DEBRIEF

CONGRATULATIONS
You have completed Module 3: Effective Communication Skills
Click here to continue to Module 4: Family and Family Dynamics