Healthcare Psychology and Communication Skills are integral components of modern healthcare education and practice. While subject knowledge, scientific temperament, and technical competence form the foundations of healthcare services; effective communication, interpersonal skills, empathy, ethical behaviour, and psychological understanding are equally essential for providing patient-centred care. Identifying the need of the hour, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has incorporated Healthcare Psychology and Communication Skills into the B. Pharmacy curriculum to equip future pharmacists with the competencies required for holistic and patientcentred care. In the rapidly evolving healthcare environment, pharmacists play a vital role in patient care, counselling, health promotion activities, and collaborative healthcare services.
This textbook, prepared in accordance with the PCI syllabus for BP103(T) and BP108(P), aims at providing a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles and communication practices relevant to healthcare settings. The subject integrates concepts from psychology, behavioural sciences, and communication studies to help students understand human behaviour and develop professional communication skills essential for effective healthcare practice.
The book covers the fundamental concepts of psychology and their applications in healthcare, including psychological processes, human behaviour, personality, stress, and coping mechanisms. It also emphasizes effective communication skills, patient counselling, professional interactions, and behavioural approaches that support health promotion, treatment adherence, and quality patient care. Practical exercises and skill-based activities have been included to enhance communication competence and experiential learning.
Contents –
Unit – 1 Introduction to Psychology in Healthcare
Unit – 2 Developmental and Behavioural Psychology
Unit – 3 Foundations of Health Communication
Unit – 4 Professional Communication in Healthcare Settings
Unit – 5 Health Psychology and Behavioural Intervention
Practical