Communication:
Communication can be both verbal and non-verbal.
Verbal communication:
·
In verbal communication, the tone of voice can communicate feelings
and emotions that are as significant as the words being spoken.
·
Accordingly,
it is important to choose words that do not offend in any way and that are
easily understood. One should avoid using trigger words, jargon, medical or
other sophisticated terms.
·
The use of
particular languages may be important in reaching all sections of a community
(for example., women may speak fewer languages than men,).
Non-verbal communication:
·
In non-verbal communication, body
position, gestures and facial expression, often referred to as "body
language", can communicate as much as words.
·
Service
providers must also be aware of their own body language and the signals they
may be unknowingly sending to users (e. g., movements or expressions that
indicate fatigue, boredom, fear, frustration, indecision). It is important that
the attitude conveyed by the service provider be compassionate and
non-judgmental.
Community
Participation in IEC activities:
It is important
to involve the representatives from the community/community leaders to get an
better co-operation from the community people while planning/conducting any IEC
Programme. This will make the programme to be successful.
Counselling:
Counselling is
a key component of an IEC programme. In the best of circumstances, a good
counsellor is compassionate and non-judgmental, is aware of verbal and
non-verbal communication skills.
Steps in
Developing IEC Activities:
·
Conduct
needs assessment
·
Set the
goal
·
Establish
behavioral objectives
·
Develop
IEC activities and involve as many other partner’s as possible
·
Identify
the potential barriers and ways that to
overcome them
·
Identify
the potential partners, resources and other forms of support of your activities
and gain their sustained commitments.
·
Establish
a evaluation plan
·
Implement
the planned activities
·
Evaluation
IEC messages:
·
Develop
IEC messages. A good message is short, accurate and relevant. It will make, at
the most, 3 points.
·
It should
be disseminated in the language of the target audience and should use
vocabulary appropriate for that audience.
·
Pretesting
of the materials are to be done.
BEHAVIOR CHANGE
COMMUNICATION (BCC):
Definition
This is a strategy, which refers to the systematic attempt to
modify/influence behavior, or practices, and environmental factors related to
that behavior, which indirectly or directly promote health, prevent illness or
protect individuals from harm.
·
Information,
Education and Communication:
·
IEC is a
process of working with individuals, communities and societies to:
§
develop
communication strategies to promote positive behaviors which are appropriate to
their settings.
·
Behavior
Change Communication:
·
BCC is a
process of working with individuals, communities and societies to:
§
develop
communication strategies to promote positive behaviors which are appropriate to
their settings; AND
§
provide a
supportive environment which will enable people to initiate and sustain
positive behaviors.
IMPORTANCE IN
BCC:
·
Interpersonal
communication and counseling
·
Understanding
Perceptions, attitudes and values
·
The skills
of listening
·
Counseling
Counseling:
This is
face-to-face communication between two people whereby one person helps another
person make a decision or plan and act on it.
6 key steps
which are summarized by the acronym “GATHER”
Steps in counseling:
The practical counseling process:
·
Six
Important Steps in Counseling: “GATHER”
1. GREET the clients (establishing rapport)
2. ASK clients (gathering information)
3. TELL (provide information)
4. HELP the client make informed decision
5. EXPLAIN to the client all the details
6. RETURN/REFER/REALITY CHECK (Return
visits or referrals should be
planned where necessary)
Steps to Behavior Change:
·
Knowledge
·
Approval
·
Intention
·
Practice
·
Advocacy
Some factors that influence behavioral change:
·
Physical stimuli
·
Rational stimuli
·
Skills
·
Knowledge
·
Socio- cultural factors
·
Demographic-age, gender, etc
·
Previous experiences
·
Attitudes
ROLE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE IN IEC/BCC ACTIVITIES:
·
Co-ordinator
·
Communicator
·
Record keeping and reporting
·
Counselor
·
Educator
·
Supervisor/team leader
·
Key member in health care team
COMMENTS