Develop advanced communication skills for independent practice

This course is available for all NCHDs.  The course certificate is recognised as equivalent to the HST mandatory Mastering Communication course for those applying for the Specialist Division Register (SDR).

This course will help you develop advanced skills for effective communication as you advance in your career. It covers key areas for effective personal communication in the context of the wider healthcare communication culture and will enhance your communication skills in individual encounters with colleagues, patients and families, and the public.

 What you will learn

On completion of this course, you will be able to

• Improve your communication techniques by focusing on your audience, reading body language, and checking for understanding
• Recognise the importance of sensitivity to diversity and understanding how cultural backgrounds impact on communication style
• Understand how to ask questions effectively and engage in active listening
• Recognise assertive behaviour when communicating and in conflict situations
• Develop strategies for difficult communication and challenging situations, e.g. open disclosure

Course format

This is a blended course with online content that you must complete and a live virtual tutorial that you must attend. The tutorial involves interactive discussions, self-reflection work, group work, role plays, presentations, games, simulations, peer interaction and feedback.

The time commitment is 1.5-hours of self-guided online work and a 3 hour virtual tutorial.

You can complete the online material in RCPI Brightspace in your own time. We run several virtual tutorials throughout the year.

Please note: This course is for NCHDs who are not on a RCPI HST training scheme. If you are a RCPI HST Trainee, please CLICK HERE to book on your course.