Clinical Education
The Communication Programme (CP) is an important component of our medical course spanning six years of the curriculum. We introduce the concept of patient-centred interviewing in the first year. Although the focus of the CP is on the interpersonal communication that takes place between doctors and patients in a consultation, we interpret clinical communication in its broadest sense and explore ways in which students can communicate effectively within health care teams, make case presentations, handover patients, use written communications to enhance clinical practice, and consider the influence of technology on communication. The CP is increasingly integrated with clinical practice reflecting the gradual immersion of students in clinical activities throughout their curriculum.
Some examples of focused sessions on topics reflecting the GMC’s expected competencies include:
- Giving information to patients and their relatives (e.g. obtaining informed consent and giving “bad” news)
- Communicating while conducting procedures and examinations
- Dealing with aggressive and violent patients
- Communicating with patients who do not share the same language
- Taking a sexual history
- Communicating with children
We use a range of educational methods that include discussion-based activities, role-play, scenario-based assessments, peer and expert observations and written reflections. Much of our teaching is supported by our Simulated Patient (SP) programme.
More information about the Simulated Patient programme
Our teaching facilities are designed to support small group work enabling easy recording and review of simulated encounters with patients, their families and colleagues. We have purpose built facilities at several clinical sites that enable digital recording of interactions.
We have developed an intensive communication curriculum for new and established health care roles for which our Division offers training (e.g. peri-operative specialist practitioners, surgical care practitioners, nurse endoscopists). In 2006, we will contribute to the Master of Education in Surgical Education programme (See Surgical Education Group).
In future years we plan to offer post-graduate level studies in clinical communication. We also offer external consultations or courses to individuals or institutions. We have extensive experience of working with international medical graduates and clinicians who have been recommended for “remediation.”
