Introduction

The Communication module seeks to teach students some of the key communication issues between patients and fellow clinicians they will encounter as junior doctor. It covers written and oral communication both with medical colleagues and with patients and families.

This module forms part of the Core Curriculum.

• It requires 10-15 minutes preparation.

• It can be taught in 1 hour

Teaching approach

As with all modules, familiarise yourself with the NPMT principles.

For this module it is advised to structure the session into different situations where junior doctors are required to employ effective communication skills.

It is advised to approach each situation separately. A suggested structure is to first outline the aims and principles of communicating in a specific clinical situations, characterise how you and other doctors approach communicating with colleagues and patients, then break students into small groups to practice communication scenarios with each other.

Practical scenarios for students to practice are provided in the curriculum pack.

Session Aims

This module will provide students with a structure for communication in common clinical situations. After completing the module students will have developed competency in the following.

1. Written communication using the SOAP format with exercises practicing

   • Documentation of medical assessment/ward round by

   • Documentation of consults/discussions with other doctors

2. Oral communication – Consults and Presenting a patient and handover using the ISBAR format

3. An introduction to informed consent, and the right to refuse treatment.

4. Introduction to ceilings of care and resuscitation plans

Effective communication is becoming increasingly recognized as a core competency for medical students and junior doctors. Developing these skills is as vital for future clinicians as there history taking and examination skills and medical students should be encouraged to practice and develop their communication skills when on ward rounds or interacting with patients.

Tips and Tricks

This session outlines common communication issues encountered in NSW hospitals. If you personally find some matters to not be relevant to your situation – don’t teach them!

Adapt this lesson plan as you see fit, and teach and expand on the items you consider relevant. We hope at the very least we you may find our scenarios and exercises useful as they are not particular to our local hospitals.

Download Resources:

• Curriculum pack

Other Resources

• Hospital Documentation

  • Copies of common hospital documents such as Resuscitation Plan- Adult, End of Life Pathway and Discharge Against Medical Advice can make for a good practical exercise or used as examples of effective communication

• Queensland Health Informed Consent

  • QLD Health has freely available consent forms detailing the risks and considerations of common procedures available at https://www.health.qld.gov.au/consent/html/for_clinicians. These can be used as a guideline for students to practice consenting