Communicating with Presence from edX

Overview

Internet Enduring Material sponsored by Stanford University School of Medicine. Presented by Primary Care and Population Health at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Modern society has provided us with technological advantages but also barriers to connect with our patients in a meaningful way. This online module highlights the Stanford Presence 5 model, which is a framework for integrating humanism and effective communication as you interact with your patients.

Intended Audience

Specialties - All Specialties
Professions - Non-Physician, Physician

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Stanford Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Credit Designation

American Medical Association (AMA)
Stanford Medicine designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 0.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

If you would like to earn CME credit from Stanford University School of Medicine for participating in this course, please review the information here prior to beginning the activity.

What you'll learn

Summarize strategies to “Prepare with Intention” including reviewing patient history and resetting before the visit
Discuss methods to “Listen Intently and Completely” including being thoughtful with body position and allowing your patient to finish their statements
Identify strategies to “Agree on What Matters Most” including making an agenda based on patient priorities and asking open ended questions
Engage using positive language for goals and asking about patient beliefs and attitudes by "Connecting to the Patient's Story"
Incorporate strategies to “Explore Emotional Cues” including validating patient emotions

What's inside

Learning objectives

Summarize strategies to “prepare with intention” including reviewing patient history and resetting before the visit
Discuss methods to “listen intently and completely” including being thoughtful with body position and allowing your patient to finish their statements
Identify strategies to “agree on what matters most” including making an agenda based on patient priorities and asking open ended questions

Engage using positive language for goals and asking about patient beliefs and attitudes by "connecting to the patient's story"
Incorporate strategies to “explore emotional cues” including validating patient emotions

Summarize strategies to “prepare with intention” including reviewing patient history and resetting before the visit
Discuss methods to “listen intently and completely” including being thoughtful with body position and allowing your patient to finish their statements
Identify strategies to “agree on what matters most” including making an agenda based on patient priorities and asking open ended questions
Engage using positive language for goals and asking about patient beliefs and attitudes by "connecting to the patient's story"
Incorporate strategies to “explore emotional cues” including validating patient emotions

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches core medical communication skills which include: Preparing with Intention, Listening Intently and Completely, Agreeing on What Matters Most, Connecting to the Patient's Story, and Exploring Emotional Cues

Taught by professors and docs at Stanford School of Medicine, who are highly experienced medical communication experts

Addresses communication within a medical context, making it particularly relevant to medical students, physicians, and healthcare professionals

Introduces the Presence 5 Model, a framework developed and utilized by Stanford Medicine for enhancing patient-clinician communication

Provides Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit for physicians through Stanford University School of Medicine

Reviews summary

Effective presence for healthcare communication

According to learners, 'Communicating with Presence' is a highly practical and efficient module that distills the Stanford Presence 5 model into immediately applicable strategies for patient communication. Many find its concise format ideal for busy healthcare professionals, offering a quick yet valuable refresher on humanistic care. While some note it's a foundational overview rather than a deep dive, the course is widely praised for its ability to reinforce essential communication skills and provide actionable insights. It's particularly valued for its relevance to clinical practice and for earning convenient CME credit.

Effectively reinforces the importance of human connection in clinical settings.

"It's a wonderful reminder of the humanistic approach we should all strive for in medicine. So refreshing."

"The course really emphasizes how to truly connect with patients beyond just medical facts, which is crucial."

"I was reminded how vital empathy and presence are in building trust and understanding with those under our care."

A brief module, ideal for busy healthcare professionals seeking CME.

"Perfect for busy clinicians! It's so concise and to the point, yet packed with valuable information. Great for CME credit."

"I appreciate how quickly I could complete this module and still feel like I gained something meaningful for my practice."

"The short duration makes it very accessible; I learned key concepts without a huge time commitment."

Offers immediately applicable strategies based on a clear framework.

"The Stanford Presence 5 model is incredibly useful; I started applying the tips right away in my clinic."

"I found the principles like 'Listen Intently' and 'Agree on What Matters Most' very actionable for my daily patient encounters."

"This course provides practical tools and strategies I can immediately apply to improve my communication with patients."

Provides a solid introduction but is not a deep dive for advanced learners.

"While valuable as a refresher, those with extensive experience in patient communication might find it quite basic."

"This module is a great high-level summary, but don't expect in-depth case studies or complex scenarios."

"For me, much of it was common sense, though it did offer a structured way to think about things."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Communicating with Presence with these activities:

Learn about Stanford Presence 5 Model

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The Stanford Presence 5 Model is a framework for integrating humanism and effective communication. Understanding this model will give you a strong foundation for success in this course.

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Read articles and watch videos about the Stanford Presence 5 Model
Attend a webinar on the Stanford Presence 5 Model

Read 'Being Mortal' by Atul Gawande

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This book explores the challenges and rewards of communicating with patients about end-of-life care. Reading it will give you a valuable perspective on the importance of effective communication in healthcare.

View Being Mortal on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the book
Reflect on the book's key messages

Learn about humanistic communication

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Reviewing communication techniques, especially as they relate to interacting with patients, will help prepare you to successfully complete this course.

Browse courses on Communication Techniques

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Read about communication theory
Practice active listening
Attend a workshop on interpersonal skills

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend a Workshop on Effective Communication

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Attending a workshop on effective communication will immerse you in the topic and provide you with opportunities to learn from experts and network with peers.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Research and identify a relevant workshop
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate

Practice Interviewing Skills

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Interviewing skills are essential for healthcare professionals. Practicing with peers will help you develop the skills and confidence you need to succeed in this course.

Browse courses on Interviewing Techniques

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Role-play patient interviews with a partner
Provide feedback to your partner on their interviewing skills

Practice Empathy Techniques

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Practice active listening, reflecting, and validation techniques to improve your communication skills with patients.

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Review the Stanford Presence 5 model
Find a partner or volunteer to practice with
Take turns role-playing patient and physician
Focus on applying the empathy techniques taught in the module
Provide feedback to your partner and seek feedback on your own performance

Develop a Communication Plan

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Developing a communication plan for a patient will help you apply the concepts you learn in this course to a real-world scenario.

Browse courses on Communication Plan

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Identify the patient's communication needs
Develop a plan to meet those needs
Evaluate the effectiveness of the communication plan

Develop a Communication Intervention

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Developing a communication intervention will challenge you to apply your knowledge of communication principles to a real-world problem. This is a great way to demonstrate your understanding and skills.

Browse courses on Patient Education

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Identify a communication problem
Develop an intervention to address the problem
Implement the intervention

Career center

Learners who complete Communicating with Presence will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Psychotherapist

A Psychotherapist treats mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. A Psychotherapist who seeks to elicit meaningful responses from patients may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Listen Intently and Completely', 'Agree on What Matters Most', and 'Explore Emotional Cues' sections, as these can inform how a Psychotherapist listens to, validates, and interacts with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychotherapist

Patient Advocate

A Patient Advocate represents and supports the rights of patients in healthcare settings. A Patient Advocate who seeks to effectively communicate with patients and healthcare providers may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Listen Intently and Completely', 'Agree on What Matters Most', and 'Explore Emotional Cues' sections, as these can inform how a Patient Advocate listens to, validates, and interacts with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patient Advocate

Physician

A Physician counsels patients on health issues, diagnoses illnesses and injuries, and prescribes medications. A Physician who seeks to build a strong bond with patients may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention' and 'Listen Intently and Completely' sections, as these can inform how a Physician plans for a patient visit and interacts with the patient.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Registered Nurse

A Registered Nurse provides and coordinates patient care, educates patients and the public about various health conditions, and provides emotional support to patients and their families. A Registered Nurse who seeks to build a strong relationship with patients may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention' and 'Listen Intently and Completely' sections, as these can inform how a Registered Nurse plans for and interacts with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse

Medical Social Worker

A Medical Social Worker helps patients and their families cope with the social, emotional, and financial challenges of illness and disability. A Medical Social Worker who seeks to build strong relationships with patients may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention' and 'Listen Intently and Completely' sections, as these can inform how a Medical Social Worker plans for and interacts with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Social Worker

Physician Assistant

A Physician Assistant provides medical care to patients under the supervision of a physician. A Physician Assistant who seeks to build strong relationships with patients may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention' and 'Listen Intently and Completely' sections, as these can inform how a Physician Assistant plans for and interacts with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Health Educator

A Health Educator develops, implements, and evaluates health education programs. A Health Educator who seeks to effectively communicate with clients and communities may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention', 'Listen Intently and Completely', and 'Agree on What Matters Most' sections, as these can inform how a Health Educator plans for, listens to, and interacts with clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Speech-Language Pathologist

A Speech-Language Pathologist assesses, diagnoses, and treats speech, language, and swallowing disorders. A Speech-Language Pathologist who seeks to foster patient-client rapport may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention' and 'Listen Intently and Completely' sections, as these can inform how a Speech-Language Pathologist prepares for and interacts with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Veterinarian

A Veterinarian cares for the health of animals. A Veterinarian who seeks to build strong relationships with clients and their pets may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention' and 'Listen Intently and Completely' sections, as these can inform how a Veterinarian plans for and interacts with clients and their pets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Veterinarian

Chiropractor

A Chiropractor diagnoses and treats neuromusculoskeletal conditions. A Chiropractor who seeks to build strong relationships with patients may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention' and 'Listen Intently and Completely' sections, as these can inform how a Chiropractor plans for and interacts with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chiropractor

Licensed Practical Nurse

A Licensed Practical Nurse provides basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. An LPN who seeks to develop strong communication skills may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Listen Intently and Completely' and 'Agree on What Matters Most' sections, as these can inform how an LPN listens to and interacts with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Licensed Practical Nurse

Pharmacist

A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides information about their use. A Pharmacist who seeks to build strong relationships with patients may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention' and 'Listen Intently and Completely' sections, as these can inform how a Pharmacist plans for and interacts with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist

Dentist

A Dentist diagnoses and treats diseases of the teeth and gums. A Dentist who seeks to build strong relationships with patients may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention' and 'Listen Intently and Completely' sections, as these can inform how a Dentist plans for and interacts with patients.

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Healthcare Administrator

A Healthcare Administrator plans, directs, and coordinates healthcare services. A Healthcare Administrator who seeks to effectively communicate with staff, patients, and families may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Listen Intently and Completely', 'Agree on What Matters Most', and 'Explore Emotional Cues' sections, as these can inform how a Healthcare Administrator listens to, validates, and interacts with others.

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Certified Nursing Assistant

A Certified Nursing Assistant provides basic care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. A CNA who seeks to build strong relationships with patients may find this course particularly helpful for the 'Prepare with Intention' and 'Listen Intently and Completely' sections, as these can inform how a CNA plans for and interacts with patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Certified Nursing Assistant