Communication Skills
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09018
Max group:
12
Improve communication skills to enhance patient care in healthcare
Course Summary
Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential in healthcare settings to ensure high-quality care, improve patient outcomes, and foster teamwork among healthcare professionals. This course focuses on enhancing communication skills specific to healthcare environments, including verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and clear, empathetic interactions with patients, families, and colleagues. Participants will learn how to build trust, manage difficult conversations, and communicate complex medical information in a way that is accessible and compassionate. The course also covers cultural sensitivity and the importance of confidentiality in patient interactions. Key Learning Objectives: Develop effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques Master active listening and empathy in patient interactions Communicate complex medical information in an understandable way Handle sensitive topics and difficult conversations with confidence Promote patient-centered care through communication Build strong, collaborative relationships with healthcare teams Understand the importance of cultural sensitivity and confidentiality By the end of the course, participants will be better equipped to interact with patients, families, and colleagues in a way that enhances the quality of care and improves overall patient experiences. Target Audience: Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, therapists, care assistants) Medical students and trainees Healthcare administrators and support staff
Course Contents
Introduction to Communication in Healthcare
The importance of effective communication in healthcare
Key communication principles: clarity, empathy, and professionalism
Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication
Understanding the impact of tone, language, and speech in healthcare interactions
Non-verbal cues: body language, facial expressions, and eye contact
How to match verbal and non-verbal communication for clear messages
Active Listening Techniques
The role of active listening in building rapport and trust with patients
Reflective listening and its importance in patient-centered care Strategies for overcoming communication barriers
Empathy and Compassionate Communication
The role of empathy in improving patient experiences
Techniques for showing compassion in difficult or emotional situations
Managing emotional responses when dealing with distressed patients
Communicating Complex Medical Information
Simplifying medical jargon for patient understanding
Using teach-back methods to ensure patient comprehension
Addressing patient concerns and questions effectively
Managing Difficult Conversations Approaches for delivering bad news with sensitivity and care
Dealing with resistance, denial, and non-compliance
Conflict resolution strategies within healthcare teams and with patients
Cultural Sensitivity and Communication
Understanding cultural differences in communication styles
Tailoring communication to respect diverse backgrounds and beliefs
Overcoming language barriers and using interpreters effectively
Building Collaborative Team Communication
Effective communication within multidisciplinary teams
Promoting teamwork and collaboration among healthcare professionals
Using handover and documentation to improve patient safety and care
Confidentiality and Ethical Communication
Ensuring patient privacy in verbal and written communication
Legal and ethical considerations in healthcare communication
Discussing sensitive information with respect and care
Conclusion and Best Practices
Recap of key communication strategies for improving patient care
Practical tips for applying learned skills in real-world scenarios
Final assessment and course summary
Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;