Teaching and Learning Communication Skills in Medicine

Abstract

Introduction. The 'why' - a rationale for communication skills teaching and learning. The 'what' - defining what we are trying to teach. The 'how' - principles of how to teach communication skills. Choosing and using appropriate teaching methods. Analysing communication skills and giving feedback in experiential teaching sessions. Running a session: facilitating communication skills teaching in different learning contexts. Running a session: facilitating tools to maximise participation and learning. Introducing research, and theory: expanding and consolidating learning. Principles of designing communication skills curricula. Specific issues of curriculum design at different levels of medical education. Assessing learners' communication skills. Enhancing facilitator development. Constructing a curriculum: the wider context.