PTEC 111 Interpersonal Communication in Pharmacy

School of Health and Human Services

PTEC 111 Interpersonal Communication in Pharmacy focuses on self-awareness and effective interpersonal communication skills required of professionals working on the health care team and as an online learner. Students learn how to actively listen and respond, account for differences that may influence understanding and engagement in conversation, and use communication strategies to support personal wellness and professional boundaries.

Prerequisites: PTEC 101 with a CRG

Corequisite: PTEC 102

Accessibility Services Notice

Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.

Transfer Agreements

Course to Course transfer – NoBlock Transfer – Nobctransferguide.ca
Course Details
Total number of weeks6
Total Credits
Total Hours90
Typical hours per week breakdown
Lecture15

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

  1. Examine characteristics of caring and professional relationships
  2. Recognize key communication principles, including verbal and nonverbal skills, to foster respectful, caring interactions with patients and healthcare teams
  3. Develop collaboration and communication skills essential for effective teamwork in healthcare settings
  4. Explain how empathy, respect, and cultural sensitivity contribute to professionalism and patient-centered care
  5. Identify strategies to overcome communication barriers and support the diverse needs of patients by promoting cultural sensitivity, equity, and inclusivity

Teaching and Learning Approach

Students build a foundation for effective communication through a combination of independent and collaborative learning activities, including discussion forums, group work, and case studies centered on patient care. Course discussions promote critical thinking and encourage reflection on strategies to improve communication with patients, colleagues, and healthcare teams. Quizzes act as formative assessments to evaluate students’ understanding and reinforce key concepts. Assignments integrate self-assessment and reflection to help students prepare for pharmacy practice.

Learning Resources

Beardsley, R.S., Skrabal, M. Z., and Kimberlin, C.L. (2020). Communication Skills in Pharmacy Practice: A th Practical Guide for Students and Practitioners. (7 Ed.). Philadelphia PA: Wolters Kluwer McCorry, L. K., & Mason, J. (2020). Communication Skills for The Healthcare Professional (2nd Ed). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health.

Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered

1. Interpersonal Communication Basics Principles of Communication as a Health Professional Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication Perception and Communication Barriers to Communication Communication and Reflection 2. Active Listening / Empathic Response Empathy /Active Listening 3. Adapting Communication for Patients, Cultural Sensitivity Developing relationships/rapport for patient care. Adapting communication to patient need Cultural and demographic considerations for communication. 4. Inter-professional and electronic communication Communication for conflict management Professional collaborative relationships and communication. 5. Professional Communication Professional Boundaries Final Assessment

Assessment

TitleLearning OutcomesValue
Quizzes1,2,520%
Discussion assignments1,2,3,430%
Reflection assignment230%
Final Assessment1-520%
Total100%

Grading Table

Standard Nursing Unit Clerk, Medical Transcription, Editing and Documentation, and Pharmacy Technician Programs Grading Table

Percentage Letter Grade GPA
96 - 100 A+ 4.33
92-95 A 4.00
89-91 B+ 3.33
86-88 B 3.00
83-85 C+ 2.33
80-82 C 2.00
79 & lower F 0.00

See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.

Disclaimer

Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.