Kate Taylor Tutoring

09/11/2024

Communication and interpersonal Skills

Now that you are a few weeks into your academic journey you will have discovered that whichever programme of study you are undertaking or career pathway you are aiming for good interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Being an effective communicator is a transferable skill which can be applied to a range of everyday issues such as a simple act of courtesy to the acknowledgment of procedures, policies and protocols. Specific to your study, module outlines, assignment aims and objectives, making criteria and deadlines should be clear. If you are in any doubt, be sure to ask your tutor straightaway. You should then be able to meet your assignment goals.
Broadly speaking there are four types of interpersonal communication which centre around verbal, listening, written and none-verbal. However, regardless of the mode or channel, effective communication must be clear, concise, correct, coherent, complete and courteous.
Communication is a key aspect of all jobs, especially in the NHS. It has been identified as one of the six C’s along with care, compassion, competence, courage and commitment as essential to ensuring quality care. Good communication is the key to positive outcomes regardless of professional discipline and yet ‘not communicating well enough with colleagues or people in their care’ has been identified time and time again in reports and investigations into poor care. The latest MBRACE (2024) report highlights worrying increases in maternal morbidity and mortality rates. One if its key clinical messages being that ‘closed-loop communication should be used to ensure that information is understood’ and when giving verbal information health professional should ask the women about their understanding of what she has been told to ensure she has understood it correctly.
Many years ago, George Bernard Shaw wrote ‘
The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place’ - and this notion still holds true today.
Living as we do in a multicultural society a clear understanding is vital, we must consider cultural diversity, respect differing values and beliefs to ensure equality in all we do.
As professionals we need to consider the physical, psychological, social, ethical and emotional impact of both good and poor communication and explore possible solutions to limit the consequences of poor communication so that lessons can be learnt and outcomes improved.

05/09/2024

Hi everyone, I promised you some food for thought so when this timely article by Sirin Kale appeared in the Guardian I thought it fitting to share it with you. Certainly, food for thought!

It was founded to promote natural deliveries and has become Britain’s biggest and most influential antenatal charity – but did its policies harm some mothers and babies?

03/09/2024

Hi, everyone. Its not been an easy last few years so congratulations for all you have achieved to enable you to step up onto next level of education. Whether it be in further or higher education I’m here to help you fine tune the education skills you have gained already. As I’ve mentioned before my area of interest is health with a special interest in maternity services. Having said that, much of the academic experience I have is applicable to those who aspire to join professionals who work autonomously and as part of a multidisciplinary team allied to health.
I’m so very passionate that our health workforce is of the highest standard. Over the next few weeks I will be posting short tasters (food for thought) which may interest you, such as how to develop your academic writing, communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking, reflective practice and of course that all important asset to all health professionals’ evidence-based practice. However, in the meantime if you feel you need some guidance don’t hesitate to contact me, enjoy your courses, think positively, you can do this, I’m here to help.

01/09/2024

As we embark on the beginning of another academic year it is with great sadness that I pay tribute to professor Chris Redman, a doctor who has left an extraordinary legacy in the field of maternity and obstetrics. Professor Redman was a world renowned pioneer in maternity care. His ground-breaking work saved the lives of countless mothers and their babies; and those of you choosing a career in this area or allied health studies will doubtless come across his work. I was privileged to meet this quiet unassuming man at a study day early in my career. His work focused on managing hypertensive pregnancies. He conducted influential research into pre-eclampsia and eclampsia which can be life threatening for the mother and baby and led the way (for us to follow) in the understanding and management of their care. He co-founded the Dawes-Redman system, which analysis fetal heart rate, allowing for the early detection of fetal distress.
The well-being of mothers with pregnancy-related issues and their babies were the centre of his work and they, their families and professionals owe this remarkable man a great debt of gratitude.
R.I.P Chris.

30/08/2024

I have over twenty years experience as a university senior lecturer and midwife. Part of my role also included teaching paramedics and other health professionals. Not one to sit still, I am keen to use my extensive knowledge and experience to support those pursuing a health professional career.

Whether it be casting my eyes over an assignment and giving constructive feedback or helping your understanding of specific topics, I am here to support you on what I know can be a challenging journey.

I offer competive rates and my office is open all hours so feel free to get in contact anytime for an initial chat.