Year 3 CCS1&2: Clinical and Communication Skills

Communication Skills 1 (Rotation 1): Challenging Communication issues

1. Explore personal strengths, weaknesses and learning needs in relation to communication
2. Gain a clear assessment of the patient’s problem using attentive listening and effective questioning including both the medical symptoms and the patient’s perspective (ideas, concerns and expectations)
3. Relate to patients in a manner which addresses their fears, anger, withdrawal or confusion and does not exacerbate them
4. Distinguish empathy from sympathy, describe empathic reflection and its role in consultations, and practice using it to acknowledge the patient’s predicament, emotional state and concerns
5. Use time efficiently including appropriate signposting, summarising and redirection to guide and organise the interview
6. Deal appropriately with patients’ questions and support patients in getting questions answered when they are not in a position to answer them
7. Deal appropriately with confidential issues
8. Close a patient encounter

Communication Skills 2 (Rotation 1): Cultural Factors

1. Consider cultural issues and cultural variation in communication
2. Deal with withdrawn or angry behaviour in patients
3. Deal with language barriers, tensions, embarrassment and discomfort
4. Recognise the importance of equality of care for all patients
5. Identify a patient’s problems and negotiate the priority for the interview
6. Use clear questions, simple language, clarify and check understanding to ensure an accurate history
7. Establish an appropriate professional relationship and professional boundaries whilst recognising and managing one’s own reactions

Communication Skills 3 (Rotation 1): Recording Review

1. Elicit a history in a patient-centred manner
2. Self-appraise skills used
3. Seek feedback for improvement

Introductory Lecture (Rotation 2)

Communication Skills 1 (Rotation 2): Explanation and Planning

1. Build rapport with patient
2. Establish patient's current level of knowledge and concern
3. Explain effectively using “Chunk and Check” : diagnosis; management options; prognosis with and without treatment; benefits of procedure/treatment; side effects and possible risk; alternatives
4. Use “Teach Back” as a universal precaution to check what the patient has understood
5. Explore patient’s views and reach some shared decision

Clinical Skills: Simulation 1

1. Know the anatomy and physiology of the breast
2. Communicate effectively, explaining the purpose of the examination, obtaining consent, giving appropriate instructions and reassurance
3. Be familiar with the basic pathology of the breast and associated symptoms including, dimpling, peau d'orange, Paget's disease of the nipple, nipple discharge and asymmetry
4. Carry out breast examination with due regard for patient modesty: breast palpation, nipple discharge, lymph nodes

Clinical Skills: Simulation 2

1. NGT: Have a basic understanding of how to perform nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion and care of the patient throughout
2. NGT: Know the indications and contra-indications for the use of NGT and the complications that may arise in its use
3. DRE: Know the anatomy of the pelvis, including the anatomical relationship of the rectum in both men and women
4. DRE: Demonstrate the communication skills essential for rectal examination
5. DRE: Perform a digital rectal examination with due regard for ethical considerations
6. DRE: Have an understanding of the clinical relevance of carrying out a digital rectal examination and the signs and symptoms to look for

Communication Skills 2 (Rotation 2): Supporting Self-Management (Motivational Interviewing and adherence)

1. Know and demonstrate the four principles of Motivational interviewing: express empathy, address discrepancy and resistance, and support self-efficacy
2. Explore and overcome ambivalence, promote change, allow patient to set goals, plan for action and achieve positive health changes

Communication Skills: Formative OSCE

Clinical Skills: Formative OSCE

Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics