CSI

Wired – Face-to-Face: Communication Skills Intensive

Interactive skills for the CSA and beyond in a practical all-day course.

“A potentially life-changing session”
Dr David Rogers
Programme Director, Dorset GP vocational training scheme, Bournemouth University.

 
Currently working from the Wessex Deanery, Winchester, as a Communication Skills trainer on the Professional Support Unit, CSI Course Leader Jo Murphy at wired is delighted to announce that, with assistant Course Leader Alistair Muir, she is offering their highly successful all-day intensive, the CSI, to Deaneries across the UK.
 
What the GP Trainers said:

“A potentially life-changing session. This was an informal and unthreatening setting. Whilst always practical and interactive learning, it felt ‘safe’ at all times. The resource pack contained a wealth of information which is transferable to practice. I felt there was a sustained “buzz” throughout the day”. Dr David Rogers Portsmouth GP, trainer and VTS Programme director.
 
“You took things down to simple and essential starting points so well, making them fun and clear. Your enthusiasm and clarity were great to experience: I have not thought about these essentials for a long time. I enjoyed watching the doctors learn about listening, open questioning and encouraging stories. Fantastic day. I am sure that we all learnt lots, opened doors and took lots away with us”.
Dr William Bowditch, Programme Director, Dorset GP vocational training scheme, Bournemouth University.
 
“The group were able to look at communication outside the clutter of the work context. Individuals could try different techniques and see others doing the same. They could see things being demonstrated that are taken for granted, Individuals began to understand how they use their voice and what vocal qualities they may need to work on and change.

The group learnt from facilitators who are trained with specific skills to a high level. The group was given a set of skills which they could practice and take away with them. The facilitators encouraged the group to bridge the gap between where they are now and where they need to be in terms of their communication skills. The feedback from the group was excellent”.Dr Martin Essigmann GPVTS Programme Director – Salisbury NHS Trust
 
 

Why is this course different?

It provides:

• A series of hands-on, experiential, highly interactive but non-invasive exercises.

• An opportunity for the group to learn from each other in a safe, unintimidating setting.

• An opportunity to fine-tune communication skills with “facilitators who are trained, with specific skills, to a high level” [Dr Martin Essigmann – GPVTS Programme Director – Salisbury NHS Trust].
 
 
Jo Murphy and Alistair Muir are highly skilled Theatre Arts Specialists who have a combined experience of forty years teaching and directing.

Overseas and UK trainee GPs are guided through practical communication skills which are directly relevant to their CSA and, of course, their professional lives beyond this crucial exam.

This course was commissioned by Richard Weaver, Director of GP Education and Head of School at the Wessex Deanery, NHS South of England. It was scrutinised and fine-tuned by a group of twelve Associate Deans under the aegis of Dr Weaver before being successfully trialled in Southampton in January 2012.
 
 
What the GP Trainees said:

“This course helped me to modify and pick up body language issues, I will be recommending it strongly to my colleagues” Reza Shams – GP Trainee
 
“The format was a lot of fun! This was a great day which I thoroughly recommend. I learnt the importance of ‘image’ in interactions with patients.” Domnita Seagu – GP Trainee
 
“This was a very well-organised day which improved my communication skills especially eye contact, gesture and voice tone, well done, keep up the good work!” Samia Morsy – GP Trainee
 
“This helped across the board with entire communication, consultation skills, body language, team-work and dealing with different and difficult scenarios. Most helpfully, we learnt with fun! Definitely recommending this to my colleagues“ Fariah Kayani – GP Trainee
 
“I loved the day – all the exercises were useful – and not intimidating. We learnt from each other and you both made the workshops fun. Thanks for a lovely day.” Sarah Cocoran – GP Trainee
 
 

Face-to-Face: Communication Skills Intensive

Course Outline

Supporting material is provided throughout the day.
 
Brief Introduction – Communication Skills and their crucial role in your
approach to the CSA and beyond/ brief overview of day.
 
Introductory activities establishing trust and conventions for the day.
 
Tools of the Trade Pt 1 – Identifying the Key Elements of Body Language in
non-verbal communication; status and the blank mask; the neutral mask v the
listening mask.
 
Tools of the Trade Pt 2 – the ‘Intro Lab’ – the first seven seconds of
consultation/Building Rapport and establishing a Professional Persona.
 
Empathy and Breaking Bad News – what this means in practice.
 
Synthesis: – putting it all together
 
 

Contacts and further information

For more details of the Intensive, please contact Jo Murphy

For more on Alistair Muir see www.theatremaker.co.uk

A recent workshop