3.3 Communication and Feedback in Clinical Professional Practice
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful clinical placement. For Personal Support Worker (PSW) students, the clinical environment is where theory meets practice. As a preceptor, your ability to communicate, provide constructive feedback, and foster a supportive learning atmosphere is vital in shaping a student’s confidence and competence.
Foundations of Effective Communication
Build Rapport Early
- Begin with a warm, welcoming conversation.
- Learn about the student’s goals, strengths, and areas for growth,
- Share your own experiences to create a sense of mutual respect and trust.
Use Clear, Respectful Language
- Avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless teaching them.
- Speak in a calm, encouraging tone.
- Use active listening techniques: nodding, paraphrasing, and asking clarifying questions.
Encourage Open Dialogue
- Create a safe space for students to ask questions.
- Normalize uncertainty – remind students that learning is a process.
- Use Phrases like:
- “What are you Curious about today?”
- “Let’s talk through that together.”
Communication Strategies for Challenging Situations
When a Student Makes a Mistake
- Stay calm and nonjudgmental.
- Use the “Pause and Reflect” approach:
- “Let’s take a moment to think about what happened and how we can approach it differently next time.”
When a Student is Strugggling
- Check in privately and empathetically.
- Offer specific, manageable steps to help them regain confidence.
- “I’ve noticed you seem unsure – how can I support you?”
When Giving Real-Time Guidance
Use the “See One, Do One, Reflect Model:
- Demonstrate the task
- Guide the student through it.
- Reflect together on what went well and what could improve.
Giving and Receiving Feedback
The Feedback Sandwich
- Start with a strength: “You did a great job staying calm with the resident.”.
- Offer a growth point: “Next time, maintain eye contact to help build trust”.
- End with encouragement: “You’re improving – keep it up!”,
Make Feedback Timely and Specific
- Give feedback as close to the event as possible.
- Focus on behaviours, not personal traits.
- Use “I” statements:
- “I noticed you hesitated during the transfer. Let’s review the steps together.”
Invite Student Reflection
Ask:
- “What do you think went well?”
- “What would you do differently next time?”
Daily Check-ins and Debriefs
End-of-Shift Reflections
Set aside 5-10 minutes to discuss:
- What went well today?
- What was challenging?
- What would you like to focus on tomorrow?
Weekly Progress Reviews
- Review learning goals together.
- Adjust responsibilities based on the student’s comfort and skill level.
- Celebrate progress – big or small!
Conclusion
As a preceptor, your communication and feedback skills are powerful tools in shaping a student’s clinical experience. By fostering open dialogue, offering timely and constructive feedback, and creating a supportive learning environment, you help build the next generation of compassionate, competent PSWs.
Reflective Questions Activity
- How do you build rapport with your PSW students at the beginning of their placement?
- Describe a time when you had to give constructive feedback to a student. How did you approach it?
- What strategies do you use to encourage open dialogue with your students?
- Reflect on a challenging communication situation with a student. What did you learn from it?
- How do you ensure that your feedback is timely and specific?
- Describe your approach to end-of-shift reflections with your students.
- What techniques do you use to help students reflect on their performance?
- Reflect on a successful mentoring experience. What made it effective?
