St Michael's Hospice – Communication Skills Courses

Intermediate Communication Skills Training offers participants the ability to reflect and enhance their basic communication skills. This will be an interactive workshop with an agenda driven by the group, utilizing a variety of exercises to enable enhancement of existing communication skills.

Aimed at any healthcare staff where communication is an essential aspect of their role. Please note, this intermediate-level workshop does not require individuals to undertake role play.

Here’s an overview of what training will entail:

A presentation and exploration of key communication skills and the challenges associated with communication related methods, modes and topics, for example:

• Interaction with patients, families and other professionals
  
  
• Breaking bad news
  
  
• Handling emotions
  
  
• Telephone work
  
  
• Emotional intelligence – working with differing personalities

Participants are encouraged to identify aspects of communication they have found/fear may be challenging. This will form the basis of the workshop’s agenda.

Enhanced Communication Skills Training – with role playing exercises – provides participants with practical experience and feedback, enabling them to enhance their communication skills and become more effective communicators in various professional contexts.

Aimed at any healthcare staff where communication is an essential aspect of their role. This workshop suits those who benefit from experiential learning as role play will be the main method of learning.

For senior staff (Doctors, senior clinical staff etc.) looking for a more in-depth approach with the actor model, please see our 2-day Advanced Communication Skills Course.

Here’s an overview of what training will entail:

A brief review of existing communication skills will be sent prior to the course for learners to review and identify their personal learning objectives. This will include fundamental communication principles such as active listening, empathy, clarity, assertiveness and challenges to communication.

During the workshop attendees will identify their specific learning objectives and challenging communication aspects. This will form the basis of the workshop agenda.

Role-Playing Scenarios: Throughout the training, participants engage in role-playing exercises designed to simulate common workplace scenarios. These scenarios may include patient/family interactions, team meetings, performance reviews, and difficult conversations. Role-playing allows participants to apply newly learned skills in a safe environment and receive feedback from peers and trainers.

Reflection and Feedback: After each role-playing exercise, participants reflect on their interaction and receive feedback from peers and trainers. This feedback helps reinforce learning and identifies areas for improvement.

Action Planning: At the end of the training, participants develop action plans outlining specific steps they will take to apply their newfound communication skills in the workplace. These plans may include setting goals, seeking out opportunities for practice.

• 2-Day NCAT accredited communication skills course.
  
  
• CPD points allocated via Royal Colleges of Physicians.

Who is it for?

Suitable for all Registered Practitioners (including Nurses, GP’s, Consultants, Specialist and Advanced Practitioners and AHP’s) to review and further develop existing communication skills. The workshops provide an opportunity to focus on key skills and practical aspects of communication, using role play, reflection and feedback.

Course content

Experiential course which uses role play and trained actors to simulate the part of patients, carers and colleagues. Enables attendees to increase confidence and be more able to handle difficult conversations with patient’s relatives or colleagues.

Using communication skills in complex and difficult situations – Participant led agenda

• Interactive exercises and skills practice
  
  
• Skills transfer – Theory to practice