Advanced Communications Skills

What is ACST and who is it for?

This course is based on the Connected training course. Originally designed for healthcare practitioners working with people with cancer, this course suits all healthcare professionals dealing with challenging communication situations.

This two-day course allows participants to practise their communication skills in a safe and supportive environment and receive feedback on how they could adapt their communication in future. The course has been internationally audited and is one of the few communications courses with clear evidence of changing practice over time.

Using a blended learning approach, the focus is on identifying complex communication issues, handling anger and distress, exploring the impact on people and their families, reflecting on their communication skills and developing these in a safe and supportive environment.

Through discussions, exercises, and the use of roleplay with experienced actors, this course allows delegates to develop, practice, and consolidate their clinical communication skills.

Key topics

• Update and refresh evidence-based skills and principles for effective communication

• Discuss challenges such as breaking bad news, advance care planning, handling anger or distress, difficult conversations with colleagues

• Practice essential skills and principles, receive constructive feedback, and test out alternative strategies

• Take away communication strategies that can be transferred to any interpersonal or professional context

• This course is suitable for senior health and social care professionals – (Band 6 NHS Equivalent or above)