A New Communication Framework for Healthcare from Coursera

As clinical care providers, we shoulder the stories of many patients. Because we’re usually in a rush, we don’t have the luxury of finding out all the information that we would like to. But no matter the situation, our understanding of the human story will determine a great deal about our communication.

Research shows that when we hear a story, our brain begins to sync with the storyteller. We quickly make connections drawn from our own lives and can fill in other aspects in a story like meaning, emotion, narrative trajectory and so on.

As the listener, it’s relatively easy to hear a story and imagine, empathize and even come up with possible solutions to alleviate pain. But not so easy when you are the provider—and part of the story itself. Why is that? Why can we do it from a distance, but it’s so difficult to see when we are one of the people in the story? This course discusses these questions.

Join palliative care physician Dr. Kathryn Winters, along with the Sanford Institute’s Center for Compassionate Communication at UC San Diego Health, for this fascinating, personal and instructive lesson on how to better understand the stories involved in clinical care—both provider and patient.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Foundations in Compassion

Module 2: Inclusiveness and Identity

Module 3: Speaking Plainly

Module 4: The Clinical Story

STAFF SANDBOX

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides clinical care professionals with skills to enhance communication with patients and other healthcare providers

Includes modules on inclusiveness and identity, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting diversity in healthcare settings

Combines personal anecdotes and practical exercises to create an engaging and immersive learning experience

Focuses on active listening, empathy, and open communication, which are essential skills for healthcare professionals

Facilitated by a reputable team of healthcare professionals and communication experts, including Dr. Kathryn Winters and the Sanford Institute's Center for Compassionate Communication at UC San Diego Health

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 A New Communication Framework for Healthcare with these activities:

Practice listening

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Practice listening to the stories of your clients to prepare you for the assignments and discussions in this course.

Browse courses on Listening

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Find a friend or family member who is willing to talk to you about their experiences.
Listen attentively to what they have to say, without interrupting.
Ask clarifying questions to ensure that you understand their perspective.
Reflect on your experience and identify areas where you can improve your listening skills.

Learn about the concept of compassion

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Review a tutorial to prepare you for the topics of compassion and understanding in this course.

Browse courses on Compassion

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Watch videos or read articles about compassion in patient care.
Reflect on how compassion can be applied to your practice.

Review communication techniques

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Refresh the skills you already have in communicating with patients and colleagues to set yourself up for success.

Browse courses on Communication

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Read through your notes from previous related courses and refresh key terms.
Think of examples of how you have successfully used communication skills in patient care.
Consider scenarios where you were not as successful. How could you improve?

Seven other activities

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Seek Out a Mentor

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Gain insights and guidance from an experienced palliative care physician.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Identify potential mentors who align with your interests.
Reach out to potential mentors and express your interest.
Set up regular meetings to discuss course content and professional development.

Practice Active Listening

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Enhance your ability to connect with patients and understand their narratives.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Identify a willing partner for practicing active listening.
Take turns sharing personal or clinical stories.
Practice maintaining eye contact, using open-ended questions, and reflecting on what you hear.

Read 'When Breath Becomes Air'

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Reading this book will provide you with a deeper understanding of end-of-life care and how to communicate with patients and families about their care.

View Being Mortal on Amazon

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Read the book in its entirety.
Take notes on the key points of each chapter.
Reflect on how the book's insights can be applied to your clinical practice.

Form a study group with classmates

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Forming a peer group will allow you to discuss and learn from others in the course.

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Introduce yourself to your classmates and exchange contact information.
Set up a regular meeting schedule.
Use your study group meetings to discuss course material, share insights, and prepare for assignments.

Develop a communication plan

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Developing a communication plan will help you to effectively interact with patients in a compassionate and understanding manner.

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Identify the key elements of a communication plan for patient care.
Create a specific plan that you can use in your own practice.
Practice using your communication plan with a colleague or friend.

Write a reflection paper

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Writing a reflection paper will allow you to process what you have learned in this course and develop your understanding of compassion and communication in patient care.

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Choose a specific topic related to compassion and communication in patient care that you would like to explore.
Research the topic using scholarly sources.
Write a paper that reflects on your own experiences and integrates the research you have conducted.

Contribute to a community project

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Contributing to a community project will give you an opportunity to apply the skills you have learned in this course.

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Identify a community project that you would like to contribute to.
Reach out to the project organizers and express your interest in volunteering your time.
Work with the project team to identify a way that you can contribute.

Career center

Learners who complete A New Communication Framework for Healthcare will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Hospice Nurse

Hospice Nurses care for patients who are terminally ill. This course will help build a foundation for professionals in this role on how to better understand and communicate with patients and their families during this difficult time.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hospice Nurse

Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate difficult life challenges. This course will help build a foundation for professionals in this role on how to better understand the stories of their clients and communicate with them in a compassionate and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Chaplain

Chaplains provide spiritual support to people in hospitals, hospice care, and other settings. This course will help build a foundation for professionals in this role on how to better understand the stories of their patients and families and communicate with them in a compassionate and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chaplain

Bereavement Counselor

Bereavement Counselors help people cope with the loss of a loved one. This course will help build a foundation for professionals in this role on how to better understand the stories of their clients and communicate with them in a compassionate and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bereavement Counselor

Patient Advocate

Patient Advocates help patients navigate the healthcare system and advocate for their rights. This course will help build a foundation for professionals in this role on how to better understand the stories of their clients and communicate with them in a compassionate and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patient Advocate

Medical Writer

Medical Writers create written materials for healthcare professionals and patients. This course may be useful for professionals in this role, as it will help them to better understand the stories of their audience and communicate with them in a clear and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Health Educator

Health Educators teach people about health and wellness. This course may be useful for professionals in this role, as it will help them to better understand the stories of their audience and communicate with them in a clear and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Educator

Physician

Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries. This course may be useful for professionals in this role, as it will help them to better understand the stories of their patients and communicate with them in a compassionate and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician

Nurse

Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings. This course may be useful for professionals in this role, as it will help them to better understand the stories of their patients and communicate with them in a compassionate and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. This course may be useful for professionals in this role, as it will help them to better understand the stories of their patients and communicate with them in a clear and effective way.

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Dentist

Dentists diagnose and treat dental problems. This course may be useful for professionals in this role, as it will help them to better understand the stories of their patients and communicate with them in a clear and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dentist

Psychologist

Psychologists provide therapy and counseling to people with mental health problems. This course may be useful for professionals in this role, as it will help them to better understand the stories of their clients and communicate with them in a compassionate and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologists help people with communication disorders. This course may be useful for professionals in this role, as it will help them to better understand the stories of their clients and communicate with them in a clear and effective way.

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

Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists help people regain or improve their ability to do everyday activities. This course may be useful for professionals in this role, as it will help them to better understand the stories of their clients and communicate with them in a clear and effective way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Physical Therapist

Physical Therapists help people regain or improve their ability to move. This course may be useful for professionals in this role, as it will help them to better understand the stories of their clients and communicate with them in a clear and effective way.

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A New Communication Framework for Healthcare

What's inside

Syllabus

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Activities

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