The National Healthcare Communication Programme is designed to support staff to learn, develop and maintain their communication skills with individuals, their families and with other colleagues. The Programme is underpinned by the core values of Care, Compassion, Trust and Learning.
Communication Skills
Communication skills can have a profound impact on the experience of care for individuals and their families. Studies have shown that effective communication improves quality and safety of healthcare and leads to improved healthcare outcomes. In addition, good communication between staff encourages good working relationships and job satisfaction.
Developing communication skills is a lifelong task, while some staff may have a ‘naturally’ good approach to communication with patients and their families, all staff can improve their core skills which are recognised as essential for good communication and time efficient consultations.
Communication Skills Workshops
Our workshops are for all staff. The workshops are short, intensive and practical. Delivery of the workshops over non-consecutive days allows participants to do some on-the-job reflection on the communication skills that they want to develop and enhance.
Programme Modules
Module 1 - Person-Centred Communication
Person-centredness applies to every person, whether that person provides the service or uses the service. It applies to every work setting whether involved in direct care/practice or corporate setting. All staff are invited to participate in this workshop which supports participants to collaboratively engage in exploring concepts and ideas about person-centred communication.
What will you get on completion of this module?
You will enhance and further develop an understanding of the concepts and ideas about person-centred communication and how it influences the quality of your care and practice.
How will you be supported?
A range of adult learning methodologies will be used that enable creative and cognitive reflection about person-centred communication the workplace.
Module 2 - Getting off to a good start
Module 2 will introduce clinicians to the Calgary-Cambridge Guide to clinical consultations and use the Guide to explore the communication skills required to structure the consultation and build rapport with patients and their families.
What will you get on completion of this module?
At the end of this module you should be able to:
- Describe a structure for the generic consultation
- Describe skills required to start consultation and build relationship with patient
- Demonstrate skills required to start consultation and build relationship with patient
How will you be supported?
A range of adult learning methodologies will be used including classroom-based modules, role play, reflective practice and group work.
Module 3 - Gathering and giving Information
Module 3 will introduce clinicians to the Calgary-Cambridge Guide to clinical consultations and use the Guide to explore the communication skills required to gather and provide information to patients and their families or carers.
What will you get on completion of this module?
At the end of this module you should be able to:
- Describe key skills needed for effective gathering and provision of information during the consultation
- Describe key skills needed for closing the consultation
- Demonstrate skills required to gather and provide information and close the consultation
How will you be supported?
A range of adult learning methodologies will be used including classroom-based modules, role play, reflective practice and group work.
Making Communication Easier
Get Involved in Healthcare Communication
For more information contact winifred.ryan@hse.ie
