Objective: To enhance the communication skills of staff of MHAT including those at the front end of delivering care.

After completing this course, you will:

1. Understand the Fundamentals of Communication:

• Define communication and identify attributes of a good communicator.
• Analyse examples of effective and ineffective communication to understand the key factors that influence outcomes.

2. Recognize the Importance of Communication Skills:

• Explain why communication is a learnable skill and its impact in various contexts, including personal and professional life.
• Articulate the significance of good communication in mental health care, emphasizing compassion, cultural sensitivity, and patient outcomes.

3. Develop Core Communication Skills for Mental Health Settings:

• Practice active listening, empathy, and open-ended questioning.
• Utilize non-verbal communication effectively, including body language, tone, and facial expressions.
• Recognize the importance of communication styles in different cultural contexts and overcome language barriers.

4. Enhance Communication in Team Settings:

• Build rapport with colleagues and establish trust within interdisciplinary teams.
• Use clear, concise documentation and effective handovers.
• Navigate disagreements and resolve conflicts professionally in clinical and team settings.

5. Communicate Effectively with Patients and Colleagues:

• Share information clearly and empathetically in diverse contexts, including in-person, phone, and email communication.
• Manage challenging behaviours and de-escalate conflicts.
• Conduct difficult conversations while maintaining professionalism and boundaries.

6. Master Professional Communication Practices:

• Write effective and professional emails, messages, and reports.
• Set boundaries and uphold professionalism in online and offline meetings.
• Provide constructive feedback to colleagues and supervisors.

7. Foster Collaboration and Team Effectiveness:

• Promote a culture of respect, cooperation, and inclusivity within teams.
• Engage in collaborative decision-making and resolve disagreements constructively.
• Balance diverse perspectives while maintaining focus on patient and team goals.

8. Apply Communication Skills to Improve Patient Outcomes:

• Recognize the role of communication in early detection and management of mental health issues.
• Understand the direct link between effective communication and improved patient recovery, satisfaction, and well-being.

9. Engage in Practical Communication Exercises:

• Participate in role-playing scenarios to practice real-world applications of communication techniques.
• Reflect on communication challenges and develop personalized strategies to overcome them.