Faculty of Health

The module aims to develop excellent communication skills through an approach based on skills and values, to explore the theory and evidence underpinning communication skills teaching and to enable participants to use a skills based approach to teach others. The clinical consultation will be an important but not exclusive vehicle for this.

The module is open to health professionals with a first degree or equivalent currently engaged in clinical practice.

Small group learning to include:

• Introduction to the importance of communication skills, ethical and attitudinal components and a framework for developing skills, including principles of feedback.
• Practical sessions on use of videotape etc.
• Skills-based sessions utilizing trios, videotape and simulated patients to develop generic skills in verbal and non-verbal communication and deal with specific areas e.g. breaking bad news
• Workshop on written communication skills
• Workshop on presentations, group skills and negotiation

Special situations and overcoming specific blocks – language and cultural barriers, hearing and visual impairment, dealing with children and families, the impact of computers on clinical consultations, etc

Teaching

Small group learning, practical sessions, skills-based sessions, workshops.

Module session dates

4, 5, 25, 26 March 2014

Assessment will consist of two elements:

• Assessment of a videotape or observed consulting and reflective log
• Written assignment  (Guideline 2000 words)

Part A will include a group assessment and will contribute 25% to the overall mark. Part B will contribute 75%

Submission date is usually within 4 weeks of the end of the module.