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Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health

Effective communication is a core skill that nearly every health professional will need and use during their careers. Yet, few health professionals receive even basic training in how to design communications to be clear and successful. As “foundational skills,” the content in this course can be applied to both oral and written communication, within and beyond health.

Learners will develop the skills to: analyze and tailor a communication effort for different audiences, develop clear messages, create logical and compelling stories, understand and apply important considerations with language as well as nonverbal communication.

This course is valuable and appropriate for both beginning and experienced health professionals who need to communicate effectively with other professionals, patients, policymakers, or the broader public.. Content is relevant to public health professionals, clinicians of all types (medical, nursing, dentists, social work, etc.), health advocates, and scientists and researchers in any health domain..

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1

In Week 1, we will consider how knowing your audience and your specific goals are the critical first steps to designing effective communications.

Week 2

In Week 2, we will focus on developing clear takeaway messages so that communications can achieve their objectives.

Week 3

This week, we focus on using plain language to avoid jargon, and continue to practice finding a clear central message.

Week 4

In Week 4, we will learn how to use narrative forms to tell the story of science and how to think about the larger macro-structures of messages, especially when your message is designed to advocate for your central point.

Week 5

In Week 5, we will learn oral presentation skills, create a final written assignment summarizing a scientific article for a different audience, and (optionally) create a short video presentation for a public audience.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores principles of communication, which is standard in health professions

Suits health professionals of all kinds, regardless of experience or specialty

Taught by recognized instructors in health communication

Examines important considerations for nonverbal cues, which is often overlooked in most communication trainings

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Reviews summary

Practical comms for healthcare

Learners say Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health is a largely positive course that provides practical skills to healthcare professionals on how to effectively disseminate information regarding health to patients. Students appreciate instructor Brian Zikmund-Fisher’s direct and engaging teaching style. The course is well-organized and easy to follow, making it a good choice for a wide range of learners.

Useful in many fields

"This course will help you build real-life communication skills."

"The skills taught in this course are very reliable and practical."

Engaging and knowledgable

"Professor Brian Zikmund-Fisher does a great justice to what we I expected from the course."

"I cannot say enough good things about this instructor. Well done."

Can be tedious

"The assignments sometimes felt very tedious to complete"

"Peer reviews are too variable to mean much."

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 Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health with these activities:

Read "The Art of Public Speaking:" Before the Course Begins

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Developing strong public speaking skills is essential for health professionals.

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Purchase or rent the book.
Set aside at least 20 minutes each day to read.
Take notes on key points and techniques.
Apply the techniques you learn to your own presentations.

Practice Writing Clear and Concise Messages

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This activity will help you develop the ability to write clear and concise messages, which is essential for effective communication in health care.

Browse courses on Health Communication

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Select a topic.
Write a clear and concise message about the topic.
Review your message and make sure it is easy to understand.
Share your message with others and get feedback.

Volunteer at a Health Communication Organization

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This activity will help you develop the skills needed for effective communication.

Browse courses on Health Communication

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Complete the required training.
Find a health communication organization.
Apply for a volunteer position.
Volunteer your time.
Reflect on your experience.

Five other activities

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Follow Tutorials on Effective Communication Techniques

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This activity will help you develop the skills needed to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Browse courses on Health Communication

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Search for tutorials on effective communication techniques.
Watch the tutorials.
Take notes on the key points.
Practice the techniques.

Participate in a Group Discussion on Health Communication

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This activity will help you develop participate in group discussions, which is a common activity in many professional settings.

Browse courses on Health Communication

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Find a group of colleagues or classmates who are interested in discussing health communication.
Choose a topic to discuss.
Meet regularly to discuss the topic.
Share ideas and perspectives.

Create a Video Presentation on a Health Topic

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This activity will help you develop the skills needed to create engaging and informative video presentations on health topics.

Browse courses on Health Communication

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Choose a topic.
Research the topic.
Write a script.
Record the presentation.
Edit the presentation.
Share the presentation.

Contribute to an Open-Source Health Communication Project

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This activity will help you develop in digital literacy.

Browse courses on Health Communication

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Find an open-source health communication project.
Learn about the project.
Contribute to the project.
Share your experience with others.

Design a Communication Plan for a Health Campaign

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This activity will help you develop the skills needed to create effective communication plans for health campaigns.

Browse courses on Health Communication

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Choose a specific health issue.
Conduct a situation analysis.
Develop a communication strategy.
Create a communication plan.
Submit the plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers provide health education, support, and resources to communities. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health is a valuable asset for Community Health Workers as it equips them with the skills to effectively communicate health information to diverse populations. The course's focus on understanding audience needs, developing clear messages, and using plain language enables Community Health Workers to build trust and rapport with community members, effectively convey health information, and empower individuals to make informed health choices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Worker

Health Educator

Health Educators use a variety of communication channels to promote health and prevent disease. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health complements the role of Health Educators by providing them with a solid foundation in effective communication principles. The course's emphasis on analyzing audiences, developing clear messages, and using appropriate language helps Health Educators tailor their communication strategies to specific target groups, ensuring that health information is accessible, understandable, and actionable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Health Communicator

Health Communicators specialize in conveying complex health information to the public in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for Health Communicators to effectively develop and deliver health messages. By learning how to tailor communications to different audiences, distill complex information into clear messages, and utilize effective language techniques, Health Communicators can optimize their communication strategies to increase understanding and engagement with health information.

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Health Librarian

Health Librarians provide access to health information and resources. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health can complement the role of Health Librarians by equipping them with the skills to effectively communicate complex health information to diverse populations. The course's emphasis on understanding audience needs, developing clear messages, and using plain language will enable Health Librarians to provide tailored information services, conduct user education sessions, and advocate for health literacy, ultimately improving access to reliable and actionable health information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Librarian

Medical Writer

Medical Writers create clear, accurate, and engaging medical content for various audiences, including healthcare professionals, patients, and the public. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health provides a strong foundation for Medical Writers by teaching them how to analyze audiences, develop clear messages, and use effective language techniques. These skills are essential for Medical Writers to produce high-quality medical content that meets the needs of their target audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators play a vital role in communicating health information to the public. With an understanding of how to analyze and tailor communication efforts, develop clear messages, and apply language effectively, Public Health Educators can use the skills and knowledge learned in Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health to create successful health communication campaigns that reach and resonate with target audiences, maximizing their effectiveness and impact.

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Health Promotion Specialist

Health Promotion Specialists develop and implement programs to improve the health of communities. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health provides a valuable foundation for Health Promotion Specialists as it teaches them how to effectively communicate health information to diverse audiences. The skills learned in this course, such as analyzing audiences, tailoring messages, and using plain language, are essential for Health Promotion Specialists to create effective health promotion campaigns that resonate with target populations and lead to positive health outcomes.

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Health Equity Advocate

Health Equity Advocates work to eliminate health disparities and promote health equity for all. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health provides a valuable foundation for Health Equity Advocates as it teaches them how to effectively communicate about complex health issues and advocate for policies and programs that address health inequities. The skills learned in this course, such as understanding language considerations, tailoring messages to diverse audiences, and using narrative forms, are essential for Health Equity Advocates to effectively engage with communities, raise awareness about health disparities, and advocate for systemic changes that promote health equity.

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Patient Advocate

Patient Advocates support and empower patients in navigating complex healthcare systems. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health can be beneficial for Patient Advocates as it teaches them how to effectively communicate with patients, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. The skills learned in this course, such as active listening, clear communication, and cultural sensitivity, are essential for Patient Advocates to advocate for patients' rights, needs, and preferences, ensuring that they receive high-quality healthcare.

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Science Writer

Science Writers translate complex scientific concepts into clear and compelling stories for a lay audience. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health equips Science Writers with the tools to craft effective narratives that accurately convey scientific information while engaging and informing readers. The skills learned in this course, such as developing clear messages, structuring logical stories, and using plain language, are essential for Science Writers to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to the public.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts play a crucial role in shaping and analyzing health policies. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health can be valuable for Health Policy Analysts as it teaches them how to effectively communicate complex health information to policymakers and the public. The skills learned in this course, such as tailoring communications to different audiences, developing clear messages, and understanding language considerations, can help Health Policy Analysts advocate for evidence-based health policies and ensure that health information is accurately and effectively communicated to decision-makers.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators oversee the operations of healthcare organizations. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health can be beneficial for Healthcare Administrators as it provides a foundation for effectively communicating with staff, patients, and other stakeholders. The course's focus on tailoring messages to different audiences, using clear language, and understanding cultural considerations can enhance Healthcare Administrators' ability to lead their teams, manage operations, and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers oversee the implementation of health programs and services. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health complements the role of Nonprofit Program Managers by providing them with a framework for effectively communicating program goals, objectives, and outcomes to stakeholders. The course's emphasis on tailoring messages, using clear language, and incorporating narrative forms can help Nonprofit Program Managers secure funding, build partnerships, and advocate for their programs, ultimately leading to greater impact and sustainability.

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Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research Coordinators facilitate clinical trials and research studies. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health may be useful for Clinical Research Coordinators as it provides a foundation for effectively communicating with patients, healthcare providers, and research participants. The course's focus on clear communication, active listening, and understanding cultural considerations can enhance Clinical Research Coordinators' ability to obtain informed consent, provide study information, and maintain strong relationships with all parties involved in a clinical trial or research study.

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Healthcare Consultant

Healthcare Consultants provide guidance and support to healthcare organizations. Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health may be useful for Healthcare Consultants as it provides a foundation for effectively communicating with clients, stakeholders, and other healthcare professionals. The course's emphasis on analyzing audiences, developing clear messages, and using appropriate language can enhance Healthcare Consultants' ability to provide insights, recommendations, and strategies that are tailored to the specific needs of their clients, leading to successful outcomes and improved healthcare delivery.

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Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health.

Eloquence in an Electronic Age

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Covers the many challenges of health communication. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the theory and practice of health communication.

Foundational Skills for Communicating About Health

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical comms for healthcare

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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