BPH315 Health Communication, Teaching and Capacity Building (3 cr.)

This course introduces concepts of verbal and non-verbal communication required for the CHW to effectively interact with clients, their families and healthcare providers of all backgrounds. Students apply skills such as active listening and motivational interviewing. 

This course also focuses on the CHW’s role as a teacher to increase the capability of the community and the client to access the health care and social services systems. Course materials emphasize the role of the CHW in empowering clients to become self-sufficient in achieving personal health goals.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Construct an action plan with clients that uses goals to promote health.
2. Demonstrate a variety of teaching techniques with clients to foster healthy behavioral changes.
3. Explain the use of health promotion and preventive health activities to build capacity in the community.
4. Demonstrate effective and culturally appropriate communication skills when collaborating with clients and members of the team.
5. Identify and apply conflict resolution strategies when necessary.
6. Identify client health and cultural beliefs, traditions, and values and how they influence health and incorporate this information into a client action plan.