Advanced Communication Skills

Advanced Communication Skills Training

Advanced Communication Skills Training (ACST) is a two-day course for senior health and social care professionals (band 6 and above) communicating with people in challenging or complex situations.

Course overview

ACST has a practical focus; delegates will reconstruct scenarios from practice where communication is particularly challenging. These may include -

• supporting an upset or angry patient, or their family

• delivering significant news

• responding to important questions

• challenging colleagues

We use trained actors to help recreate and film individual scenarios. Delegates are empowered to enhance their skills through a process of constructive peer assisted feedback. Underpinned by evidence, this allows development of effective communication skills in a safe, supportive environment. The intended learning outcomes include –

• Increase awareness of own communication skills

• Develop strategies to improve the quality of clinical communication

• Enhance information delivery and decision-making

• Increase confidence in responding to difficult communication situations

• Identify how to improve inter-professional communication

Delegates must attend the full 2 day workshop in order to receive a certificate of attendance.

It will enable senior clinicians to enhance their skills and their confidence so that the experience of all patients and relatives can be improved.