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Clinical Communication Program - Resources

Overview

This 6-month program enhances doctors’ communication skills with patients, making clinical practice safer and more rewarding.

You will work with a dedicated facilitator before and after intensive online group sessions to develop lasting, relevant skills. The CCP program uses various methods, including video recordings, personalized feedback, practice with improvisational actors, high-impact references, discussions, and reflection.

Past participants have highlighted the importance of dedicating enough time to each course element. We encourage you to dedicate the appropriate time to each activity for an optimal learning experience. Please take a moment to review the CCP Schedule sent to you in your “Welcome to the CCP” email and use it to plan your approach to the coursework.

Content

  • Phase 1: activities summary (8 weeks)

    Steps to complete in preparation of workshop

    Please complete the following activities in preparation of phase 2.

    1. Review materials
      • Watch the selected videos, read the provided materials, and complete the eLearning activity as outlined in activities 1 to 4.
    2. Simulated patient consultation
      • Participate in a recorded simulated patient consultation session.
    3. Questionnaires
      • Complete both the CLEAR questionnaire and the self-reflection questionnaire.
    Submission deadline
    • All phase 1 pre-work must be submitted at least one week before your scheduled phase 1 discussion with your facilitator.

    Activity 1 – view CCP interview video

    This is a video in which a former program attendee is interviewed about their experience during and after the CCP. This may answer some of your questions about CCP and help you feel better prepared for the program.

    Activity 2 – view CLEAR video and complete the questionnaire

    Practice your analysis of a doctor's communication skills by watching and reviewing this interview of a clinical interaction and completing the accompanying questionnaire. This takes most participants approximately an hour.

    This form of observational learning and feedback is utilized throughout the CCP Program.

    CLEAR video

    Complete the CLEAR questionnaire [PDF]

    Once you have completed these activities, please proceed to the self-reflection questionnaire. Kindly submit your completed questionnaire by emailing it to [email protected].

    Activity 3 – consultation recordings

    Overview - simulated patient consultation recordings

    The CCP is a practice program designed to enhance your clinical skills. A key component is ensuring you and your facilitator have a shared understanding of your communication style. 

    Phase 1 sessions
    • Simulated consultation sessions are organized via Zoom by the program for participants. 
    • Each session features an experienced CCP actor portraying typical patients in your practice. 
    • A session lasts 60 minutes and includes up to four recorded consultations. 
    Important
    • Sessions are resource-intensive and cannot be rescheduled. 
    • If you miss your scheduled session, you must conduct your own recordings and advise the program via email at [email protected] when your recordings are ready. You will be provided access to Web Transfer Client, a secure portal, to submit your videos and the related consent documentation to the program. All program recordings are deleted after they have been utilized for required teaching purposes. 
    Missed recording session instructions
    1. Follow: Tips for Recording Clinical Interactions [PDF].
    2. Ensure all patients sign: Consent Form - Patient Consent to video recordings [PDF].
    3. If needed, obtain: Consent Form - Request for Permission from Institution [PDF].
    4. Request Web Transfer Client (WTC) access by emailing [email protected]. Upload your video recordings and consents to the secure WTC platform. 
    Note: Please block off time for your scheduled sessions. These simulations are designed to replace the previous, more cumbersome method of recording your own patient interactions.

    Activity 4 – pre-work and self-reflection questionnaire

    Please complete the thought-provoking, evidence-based readings and the e-learning activity listed in the pre-reading and activities List.

    Once you have completed these activities, please proceed to the self-reflection questionnaire. Kindly submit your completed questionnaire by emailing it to [email protected].

    Most participants find that it takes approximately 4.8 hours to complete the entire list of activities and the questionnaire.

    • Phase 2: online group learning (4 weeks)

      The online group learning offers a very supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere. It is facilitated by highly trained and experienced faculty. During this training, you will focus on specific communication skills and techniques, identify factors that affect communication interactions and can practice those new techniques in simulated consultations.

      Key principles incorporated into the online group learning:

      1. Consider the impact of communication theories, values and personal history on the development of habits and ways of dealing with patients.
      2. Review recorded patient consultations and have the opportunity of practicing communication skills with simulated patients.
      3. Receive feedback from facilitators and group members.
      4. Change behaviour around clinical communication skills.
      5. Develop specific communication skills, techniques and action plans for the real world.
      Attendance and Zoom schedule information

      Attendance at all eight sessions is required. Please ensure you arrive 10 minutes early for each session to allow time for setup and preparation.

      Time zone

      All sessions are scheduled in Eastern Time (ET).

      Zoom schedule
      • English CCP sessions typically occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm (ET).
      • French CCP sessions typically occur Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm (ET).
      Note: The specific Zoom schedule for your program will be attached to the welcome email and emailed as a reminder on the morning of each session.

      Helpful tip: Add the Zoom meeting details to your calendar and block the time to avoid repeatedly referencing the schedule.

      Need help? If you encounter any issues logging into your Zoom session, please contact us at [email protected].

      Best practices for online learning

      To make the most of your learning experience, please follow these guidelines:

      • Log in 10 minutes before each session to ensure you're ready to start on time.
      • Choose a private, distraction-free environment for maximum focus.
      • Arrange appropriate clinical coverage for your patients while attending the sessions.
      • Silence your phone and any notifications to avoid interruptions.
      • Full attendance is required for all sessions to receive your certificate of completion.
      Required technical equipment
      • A laptop or desktop with a camera is essential for participation.
      • Use a headset with a unidirectional microphone to ensure confidentiality and clear audio during the workshops.
      • Make sure your speakers or headset are functioning properly.
      • A high-speed internet connection is necessary to ensure a smooth experience.
      CCP workbook

      You will use this workbook for the phase 2 workshop:

      Activity 5 – preparation for Zoom session 6

      In preparation for Zoom session 6, please watch this video on Shared Decision Making (SDM):

      Activity 6 – preparation for Zoom session 7

      In preparation for Zoom session 7, please watch this video concerning the missed CT scan:

    • Phase 3: implementation and mentorship (14 weeks)

      The upcoming 14 weeks are crucial to your success in this program. Your post-training work includes a series of mentoring sessions with your assigned facilitator. This phase is designed to help you apply and reinforce your new communication skills in your workplace.

      Phase 3 required activities

      1. Mentoring and follow-up calls
        • You will participate in three 1-hour mentoring calls to discuss your experiences applying new communication skills in your practice.
        • After completing your phase 3 simulated patient recordings, a fourth call will be scheduled to review and discuss your performance.
      2. Simulated patient consultation recordings
        • The program administration will submit your simulated patient consultation recordings to your facilitator for review.
        • You will receive written feedback, followed by a telephone discussion to review your performance.
        • Note: Missed sessions cannot be rescheduled. If you miss a session, you will need to conduct your own recordings. Instructions can be found under activity 3 in phase 1.
      3. Follow-up evaluation
        • Complete the Follow-Up Evaluation to reflect on your progress, assess your interpersonal communication skills, and evaluate your overall work practices.
        • A Certificate of Completion will be issued once the follow-up evaluation has been submitted.

      Activity 7 – consultation recordings

      You will participate in simulated patients consultation recordings organized by the program. These sessions will allow you to apply the knowledge gained in phase 2 workshops and practice your communication skills .

      Reminder
      • Sessions are held via Zoom, arranged by program administration.
      • Each session lasts 60 minutes and includes up to four recorded consultations.
      • You will interact with an experienced CCP actor portraying typical patients from your practice.
      • Refer to the CCP Phase 3 Recordings Preparation Guide [PDF] to prepare for your session.
      • Sessions are resource-intensive and cannot be rescheduled. Please ensure your availability for the scheduled time.

      Missed your session? Please refer to instructions found under activity 3 in phase 1.



DISCLAIMER: All program materials are owned by CMPA or its licensors and are confidential. These materials are for the participant's personal use only, are subject to copyright, and may not be copied, shared, reproduced, disclosed, or made available to any other person.