Week 13: Written Communication

Question 1

risks of poor written communication

Answer 1

• potential harm to client, important info. not being relayed correctly
• freedom of info.
• complaints about clinician
• subpoena, witness court
• potential harm client, self, social work profession
• public enquiries draw heavily on records

Question 2

features of good written communication

Answer 2

• focused
• factual (no assumptions)
• evidence based and accurate
• provides account
• accessible and can be understood, mindful of others reading
• concise but complete
• monitored (time frames, who responsible)

Question 3

use of headings:

Answer 3

client name, DOB, client number, date (and time) and contact

Question 4

signing at the bottom:

Answer 4

sign, print name, date written

Question 5

making changes or erasing

Answer 5

• DON’T change or erase

- use a single line through and sign/date or make a separate case note

Question 6

other team/staff notes:

Answer 6

don’t criticize others - this is not the place to do it

Question 7

context info. to include:

Answer 7

• referral context
• client context
• personal details of client

Question 8

factual detail to include

Answer 8

• date, event, issue

- type of contact - home visit, telephone, email

Question 9

formulation and assessment to include

Answer 9

• completion of domains (psychosocial)

- professional assessment/ interpretation

Question 10

specific plan of action to include

Answer 10

• what action is to be taken (including no action)

- arrangements for next meeting