Advanced Communication Skills Training

St Elizabeth Hospice, Ipswich

Why are Communication Skills Important?

Being able to communicate effectively is a core clinical skill for all professionals who have regular patient contact and, as part of that role, are required to gather or give information, break bad news or support patients to make and understand decisions related to their care and treatment.

The link between effective communication skills and the delivery of high-quality care as well as staff resilience has been highlighted in both the research literature and a number of successive national reports.

This two-day evidence-based course has been developed by a group of leading communication researchers and trainers and is aimed at doctors, nurses and senior healthcare professionals (band 6 & above) wishing to enhance their clinical communication skills with patients, carers, or colleagues.

Participants set the agenda for both days by identifying challenging communication situations they experience at work. These challenges are recreated with actors playing different roles such as a patient, family member or colleague for participants to practice key skills and principles, receive constructive feedback and test out alternative strategies.

In previous courses key areas of challenge have included:

• Managing anger or distress
• Breaking Bad News
• Handling difficult questions
• Improving communication with colleagues
• Dealing with complaints

Course Description

The University of East Anglia operates the following cancellation policy for this course:

• Cancellations made more than 20 working days prior to delivery – no charge
• Cancellations made within 10-20 working days prior to delivery – 50% of cost.
• Cancellations made less than 10 working days prior to delivery – 100% of course cost.
• Non-attendance – 100% of course cost.