Interpersonal Skills Workshop

This session is limited to the following posts:

• GP Trainee
• SAS
• CT/IMT/ST1-3
• ST4-8

The aim is to improve the doctor-patient relationship  by developing the doctor’s communication skills.  The workshop is  delivered through teaching, role play and feedback.

The NHS is  focused on a more patient centred approach, so it is vital that medical  professionals understand how to build an open, trusting rapport with  their patient through active listening, understanding, clear speech and  empathy.

This interpersonal skills workshop has been designed to  develop the participants’ knowledge, skill, and confidence in the  different styles of communication.  We address verbal, non-verbal and  para-verbal communication and how all three need to work together and  complement each other to produce effortless and effective  communication.

Learning Outcomes:

• Body Language or Non–verbal Communication -  Understand the components of effective non-verbal communication and  understand non-verbal cues and how to read them
• Active Listening - Understand the importance of active listening and perspectives
• Open  and Closed Questions - How to take concise, relevant history using a  blend of open and closed questions.  Proving a clear, reasoned style.   How to use the right questioning to encourage dialogue. Recognise that  patients do not present their history in a structured fashion.  Tips and  tactics for influencing others and arriving at a win-win situation
• Accent  Softening – Speed of delivery, stresses on words, articulation,  diction, and using pauses effectively.  Avoiding medical jargon.   Instead, being able to explain thoughts in a clear, concise way.
• Empathy  – Understand when and how to show empathy.  Be aware that the way bad  news is delivered can affect your patient for the rest of their lives.   Sensitively communicate bad news as an essential part of professional  practice