Communication Skills Training
Bridging the Gap Between Clinical Excellence and Patient-Centered Care
★★★★★
4.8 rating from 1,400+ medical officers
What is Communication Skills Training Programme?
Modern-day medical practice is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and an increasingly informed patient population. With rising expectations for transparency, empathy, and shared decision-making, effective communication has become a cornerstone of safe, ethical, and compassionate healthcare delivery.
Globally, communication skills are recognized as a critical component of patient safety and quality care. However, traditional medical education in Sri Lanka has largely emphasized technical and clinical proficiency, often leaving limited space for structured training in interpersonal and communication skills. While Sri Lankan doctors continue to demonstrate excellence both locally and internationally, strengthening formal communication training is essential to further enhance professional competence and patient trust.
In response to this need, the Society for Health Research and Innovation (SHRI), conducts a focused one-day Communication Skills Training Programme for Medical Officers. This programme is designed to equip doctors-particularly interns and young medical officers-with practical, real-world communication skills essential for daily clinical practice.
Programme Highlights
- Principles of Effective Doctor–Patient Communication
- Active Listening and Empathy in Clinical Practice
- Communicating with Difficult or Anxious Patients and Relatives
- Delivering Bad News with Compassion and Professionalism
- Time Management and Communication During Internship
- Stress Management and Emotional Resilience for Medical Officers
- Communication in Emergency and High-Pressure Situations
Programme Objectives
- Enhance doctor–patient communication using structured and empathetic approaches
- Improve active listening, empathy, and rapport-building skills
- Equip medical officers to manage difficult conversations with patients and relatives
- Develop skills to communicate effectively under time pressure and stressful conditions
- Support young doctors in managing work-related stress and emotional challenges
- Promote international standards of patient-centered communication in Sri Lankan medical practice
Publications
As part of this initiative, SHRI has published a practical guidebook titled:
“Communication Skills for Medical Officers”
This booklet serves as a user-friendly reference for doctors to continuously strengthen their communication skills in real-world clinical settings, ultimately improving patient satisfaction, safety, and professional confidence.
Vision
To develop a healthcare system in Sri Lanka where every medical officer practices effective, ethical, and patient-centred communication, strengthening public trust, patient satisfaction, and the overall quality of healthcare delivery.
Mission
To strengthen the communication competencies of post-intern medical officers through a structured, evidence-based, and practical in-service training programme, enabling them to communicate effectively with patients, families, colleagues, and the community while upholding professionalism and accountability within the Ministry of Health.
Entry Requirements
- Must be a pre-intern medical officer awaiting internship placement.
- Must have successfully completed the final MBBS/medical degree examinations from a recognized institution.
- Eligible to commence internship under the Sri Lanka Ministry of Health.
- Willing to participate in ward-based, supervised clinical training sessions.
- Commitment to maintain and submit a procedural logbook for verification.
- Agreement to comply with hospital policies, ethical standards, and patient safety protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Who is this programme intended for?
This programme is intended for pre-intern medical officers who wish to strengthen their clinical and procedural skills before starting their internship.
Where will the training take place?
Training is conducted in real hospital ward settings in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka.
Who supervises the training?
Participants are supervised by experienced Consultant Anesthetists and Physicians to ensure safe and structured learning.
What skills will participants practice?
The programme focuses on essential ward-based clinical procedures and practical skills required during internship.
Is participation compulsory?
No, the programme is voluntary. However, it is highly recommended to enhance confidence and clinical readiness.
Is there an assessment process?
Participants maintain a logbook documenting completed procedures, which must be verified by supervising consultants.
How does this programme benefit future interns?
It helps prevent skill regression, improves procedural competence, and prepares participants to deliver safe, high-quality patient care from the first day of internship.
How can I register?
Registration details and application instructions are available through SHRI’s official communication channels and website.
Need further assistance?
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