Course Description
COM 160 | Professional Communication in Healthcare Thursday & Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Total: 16 Hours | E-Lecture: 12 Hours | E-Lab: 4 Hours | On Site Lab: 0 Hours This course prepares students with essential communication skills vital for success in healthcare settings, with a strong emphasis on ethical standards and professional conduct. Students will learn how to effectively obtain patient histories, discuss pre- and post-procedure information, and clearly explain diagnostic testing protocols to both patients and healthcare providers while maintaining confidentiality and respecting patient autonomy. The course emphasizes the preparation and presentation of clinical reports to ensure accurate and effective communication with physicians, medical staff, and other stakeholders. Ethical considerations, such as honesty in documentation, patient privacy laws, and informed consent practices, are integrated throughout the curriculum. Students will also build essential computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documenting and sharing healthcare information ethically and responsibly. Key topics include effective workplace communication, proper telephone etiquette, and the ethical use of AI tools to improve clinical documentation and patient education materials. By the end of this course, students will be equipped to communicate confidently, ethically, and professionally, supporting improved patient care and collaboration across healthcare teams. Recommended Textbook: “Effective Communication for Health Professionals” Elsevier eBook on VitalSource, 2nd Edition