IHCC

Course descriptions

CLINICIAN-PATIENT COMMUNICATION
Effective clinician-patient communication underlies successful medical care. Research has demonstrated that using more effective communication skills improves diagnostic accuracy, increases involvement of the patient in decision making and increases the likelihood of adherence to therapeutic regimens. Additional benefits are an increase in patient and clinician satisfaction and a reduced likelihood of exposure to malpractice litigation. The objectives of the program are to improve awareness of a clinician's roles regarding the importance of communication as an essential aspect of health care and gain understanding of the concept that complete clinical care consists not just of "find it and fix it" but of four communication skills: Engage, Empathize, Educate, and Enlist.
CE workshop: ½ - 1 day
Faculty Course: 4 ½ days

“DIFFICULT" CLINICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONSHIPS
There have been many articles written about working with "difficult" patients. By identifying patients as the "difficult" part of the relationship, this literature can reinforce negative stereotypes and inhibit effective communication. Ultimately, though, the clinician has to respond in a constructive way to what is experienced as a difficult situation -- by clinician and patient. This workshop challenges clinicians to examine the patterns of interaction with patients that cause them the greatest difficulty and to explore strategies for responding effectively.
CE workshop: ½ - 1 day
Faculty Course: 3 days

TREATING PATIENTS WITH C.A.R.E.
Health care organizations face the challenge of assuring that all staff who interact with patients use effective communication skills. Patients have better health outcomes when good interactions with staff encourage them to adhere to treatment plans and follow up with care. Treating Patients with C.A.R.E. (Connect, Appreciate, Respond, Empower) provides a model and specific techniques that guide all staff to communicate in ways that will enhance satisfaction and encourage patient partnership.
CE workshop: ½ - 1 day
Faculty Course: 3 days

COACHING FOR IMPRESSIVE C.A.R.E.
Many health care organizations have undertaken training of front-line staff for providing impressive health care service. Coaching for C.A.R.E. provides front-line supervisors with a model of coaching that supports staff efforts to communicate in ways that will enhance satisfaction and encourage patient partnership. Supervisors are taught to put on their Coaching C.A.P.: C.A.R.E. about the employee, Assess communication skills, and Plan for impressive performance.
CE workshop: 1 day
Faculty Course: 3 days

CHOICES AND CHANGES
Historically, patient motivation and behaviour were viewed as the domain of the patient. The implied assumption was that the clinician could do little more than provide information to influence the patient's actions; however, we now know this to be an inaccurate assumption about the dynamic that takes place between clinician and patient. This program is designed to acquaint the participant with the literature, theory and techniques for promoting change in health behavior.
CE workshop: ½ - 1 day
Faculty Course: 4 ½ days

CARE NOT CURE
The Care Not Cure workshop is designed to help clinicians talk with patients when treatment fails to cure or control disease, and the focus of care shifts more firmly toward palliative goals and methods.
CE workshop: ½ day
(Faculty Course: 5 days (covers Care not Cure and Conversations at the End of Life)

CONVERSATIONS AT THE END OF LIFE
The Conversations at the End of Life workshop covers a variety of end of life communication topics including: defining a good death; discussing advance care plans; transitions to palliative care; death notification, grief and bereavement; talking with families; managing family anger and distrust; and resolving conflicts arising from cultural differences.
CE workshop: 6, 1- hr, stand-alone modules
(Faculty Course: 5 days (covers Care not Cure and Conversations at the End of Life)

DISCLOSING UNANTICIPATED MEDICAL OUTCOMES
Research and experience suggest that the clinician's and organization's abilities to effectively respond to the patient and family's concerns and emotions are the best way to reduce the likelihood that the situation will escalate to more contentious legal processes. The goal of this workshop is to provide an understanding of organizational, ethical, and risk management aspects of disclosure along with practicing the communication skills needed with patients and families. Clinicians, patients and families are able to acknowledge, forgive, and move on, with less emotional distress when the process of working through adverse outcomes is handled sensitively, ethically and equitably.
CE workshop: ½ day
Faculty Course: 3 days

STRANGERS IN CRISIS
Patients enter the hospital and the emergency department in crisis and are met by strangers who in an instant become responsible for their care. Time pressures, high information processing needs and the seriousness and complexity of the patient's medical problems contribute to the intensity of the situation. This program was developed to address the specific needs of Emergency Department clinicians and their patients.
CE workshop: ½ - 1 day
(Faculty Course: 3 days - may be arranged through US faculty)

BEYOND INFORMED CONSENT
Every day, in thousands of offices, exam rooms, and hospital wards, health professionals and patients share information and make decisions about a variety of health concerns. Patients and clinicians are faced with many choices from selecting tests, to choosing medications, to considering surgical procedures. While patient participation is valued, and the legal elements of informed consent are required, there are many times when roles and responsibilities are not clear. Beyond Informed Consent was developed as an educational tool that would facilitate collaborative decision-making and ensure that the elements of informed consent are in place.
CE workshop: ½ day
(Faculty Course: 2 days - may be arranged through US office)

CONNECTED: COMMUNICATING & COMPUTING
Computers have brought great advances to the practice of medicine, with clinical information instantly available through the electronic medical record; however, some patients perceive the computer as a barrier in their relationship with their clinician and have concerns about confidentiality. With effective communication, clinicians can overcome these concerns, and patients experience the electronic medical record as a valuable medical tool that enhances to their confidence in care.
(CE workshop: ½ day / Faculty Course: 1 day - may be arranged through US office)

For more information contact ks@cfpc.ca