The Connected advanced communication skills training programme was originally developed within cancer services. For the last few years, the programme has been targeted at core members of the MDT enabling them to meet the Quality Measures under Peer Review. However, as well as also training extended cancer team members the programme has increasingly been taken up by wider clinical groups. We have run Connected courses for End of Life Care, transplant teams, Local Authority social care teams and others. The international recognition of the programme is emphasised by current work training palliative care clinicians in New Zealand.
Message from Professor Sir Mike Richards, National Cancer Director
"Effective communication between patients and clinicians is fundamental to the delivery of high-quality cancer care. We know how highly patients and their carers value good communication and we know from a sound body of research, much of which was conducted in this country, that communication skills can be improved through experiential learning. The Cancer Patient Experience Survey in 2010 shows that many patients still find aspects of communication a major concern. Major progress has been made to ensure clinicians have the opportunity to develop, practice and consolidate their clinical communication skills through the Connected programme."
The 2 day pilot courses have been successfully evaluated and networks/organisations are now offering the 2 day variant. For details of courses within your area please contact the network administrator or the national team.
To download a copy of the evaluation report click here
By December 2011 12,733 clinicians have attended the Connected course. Of the attendees 95% said that the course met their expectations and 83% said they would definitely recommend the course to a colleague.
The Connected course is currently being rolled out in New Zealand to train palliative care staff.