Aims

English is the common language of the NHS, but it has its own unique cultures, professional languages and jargon. Given that the system relies on international staff, therefore, cross-cultural communication can become even more difficult when members of the health care team, patients and their families have different mother tongues and cultural backgrounds.

Knowledge into Language

Using both doctor-centred and patient-centred approaches, this three-day intensive residential course uses formal input, role play, case studies and simulations to enhance language, cross-cultural and interpersonal skills. Participants will practise listening to authentic patient speech and the use of medical language to communicate with the public. The training options can be varied in order to accommodate some or all of the learning outcomes below:

Topics and language

  • Sensitive language: principles of palliative care; taking a patient-centred approach when communicating or supporting patients and families with sensitive issues
  • Appropriate language to help patients and families make decisions about their treatment and care. Asking for and respecting patients’ views on their health, and responding to concerns and preferences
  • Tactful and sensitive language to deal with age, gender, beliefs and culture when working with colleagues and patients from a variety of backgrounds.

  • Sharing with patients in a way they can understand crucial information about their condition, its likely progression, and the treatments available to them, including associated risks and uncertainties
  • Interpersonal skills for situations that may arise during consultations
  • Using metaphors analogies and complex medical language
  • Understanding colloquial and idiomatic language or ‘normal, everyday English’.
  • Decoding ambiguous language
  • Understanding and using emphasis and pausing to interpret cues and inferences

Case study

Detailed analysis and role-play of case study involving a series of consultation scenarios. focusing on language and interpersonal skills, reflection, feedback, analysis and discussion to write up a structured report.

Who Is It For?

A range of international healthcare professionals and social care workers who are working in the UK healthcare system, but who need further appropriate communication skills for the NHS in particular.

Length

Parts I and II; 30 or 60 Contact hours intensive or extensive, residential or on-site.

CONTACT

    Name (required)

    Message

    Email adress (required)

    Phone number (optional)