Ineffective communication can lead to suboptimal patient outcomes, diminished job satisfaction, and inefficiencies within healthcare systems. This unit aims to equip students with the communication theories and skills essential for functioning effectively as integral members of interprofessional teams in modern healthcare settings.
Throughout the unit, students will engage in self-reflection regarding their practice and enhance their understanding of culturally safe and respectful strategies for delivering person-centred care across diverse life stages. Furthermore, the unit will emphasise the importance of ensuring safety and shared decision-making in healthcare while addressing communication barriers.
| Therapeutic Communication | |
| Unit of study code | 317 |
| Availability | Graduate Certificate in Breast Cancer Nursing
Graduate Certificate in Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology Nursing Graduate Certificate in Paediatric Nursing Studies Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care GC single unit of study |
| Term | JANUARY, JULY |
| EFTSL | 0.125 FTE |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Mode of study | Online |
| Hours of study | 150 |
| Fee* | Tier 1 |
| Prescribed texts | Nil |
| Co-ordinated by | Erin Rooney e: erin.rooney@acn.edu.au |
| Content | Intended learning outcomes for this subject/program
After completing this subject, the learner will be able to:- |
Assessment Tasks | ||
| Type of assessment
Note the completed assessment item (e.g. Assessment 1: Online discussion) |
Weighting
(% of total marks) |
When assessed – academic week
(e.g. Week 8) |
||
| Theme 1: Foundational concepts | a) critically analyse advanced theoretical knowledge of therapeutic communication and its evolution within healthcare contexts | Assessment 1: Online discussion | 5% | 3 |
| Theme 2: Communication in acute healthcare contexts | b) evaluate appropriate communication strategies for diverse healthcare situations across the lifespan | Assessment 2: Essay | 35% | 5 |
| Theme 3: Communication in chronic health care contexts | c) demonstrate advanced communication skills to address complex and challenging healthcare scenarios, including identifying and overcoming barriers to effective communication | Assessment 3a: Digital poster
Assessment 3b: Peer review |
20% | 8, 9 |
| Theme 4: Digital innovations in healthcare communication | d) apply reflective practice to continuously develop professional communication competencies that enhance patient safety and optimise health outcomes | Assessment 4: Reflective essay | 40% | 10 |
| e) transmit therapeutic communication knowledge and skills within interdisciplinary healthcare contexts to promote person-centred care | ||||
Therapeutic Communication (317) is a Tier 1 unit.
| Tiers | 2025 Member price (10% discount) | 2025 Non-member price | 2026 Member price (10% discount) | 2026 Non-member price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $2,403.00 | $2,670.00 | $2,460.60 | $2,734.00 |
| Tier 2 | $2,740.50 | $3,045.00 | $2,806.20 | $3,118.00 |
| Tier 3 | $3,539.00 | $3,932.00 | $3,623.80 | $4,026.00 |
| Tier 4 | $4,166.00 | $4,628.50 | $4,266.00 | $4,740.00 |
| *Graduate certificate / single unit of study fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change without notice | ||||
*Fees are subject to changes without notice.
