Our GMC endorsed courses, provide training for professionals aiming to master compassionate and effective care planning and communication. Good communication skills are essential for high quality care, particularly for discussions around serious illness and difficult diagnosis.

Handling conversations in a family conference, with anxious or conflicting family members?

Not sure how best to deliver sensitive news eg of a new diagnosis?

Our courses have been designed specifically to help professionals develop new techniques, increase confidence, knowledge and skills when communicating with people and their families. No matter how challenging the topic, our experienced trainers can help you take your knowledge and skills to the next level by getting comfortable with handling difficult conversations.

Course Objectives

• to understand your role in a difficult conversation

• to recognise common themes and blocks in having difficult conversations

• to improve knowledge, confidence and skills on having effective and compassionate conversations and care planning

• to become familiar with our SCARS communication skills framework

• to gain confidence in having effective conversations in difficult circumstances

Our training is enjoyable, practical and uses a mix of presentation, interactive peer-learning practice, video demonstration and informal discussion

Example Agenda for Difficult Conversations Communication Skills Masterclass:

1.    Introductions, objectives and welcome

2.   Interactive seminar and group work

• People’s experiences and roles

• Examples of Difficult Conversations

• Blocks, challenges, enablers for Difficult Conversations

• Planning including evidence

3.    Communication Framework – SCARS®

4.    Simulated case scenarios 

5.    Consolidation of learning

Endorsed by: General Medical Council (GMC) & Royal College of GPs South London Faculty