Théa Pharmaceuticals, in collaboration with senior professionals in glaucoma and cornea, has launched seven communication skills courses on their dedicated eye health professional training platform, the Théa Academy, to enhance patient care in response to the increase in remote clinics.
Théa and the Thea Educational Club of Ocular Surface and Glaucoma (ECOSG), surveyed how clinicians can be better supported in managing patients. Findings revealed that:1
- over 80% hadn’t received training on communication skills relating to glaucoma and adherence issues
- over 68% hadn’t received any training on communication skills relating to ocular surface disease
- an overwhelming 91% stated they would benefit from further training.
Remote clinics have become favourable during the pandemic, however assessing eye conditions and comorbidities becomes more challenging. Side effects of preservative toxicity cannot be seen as clearly on-screen, making questioning and listening skills critical.
Professor Robert Scott, Edgbaston Eye Consultants, Birmingham, said, “Virtual appointments bring new communication challenges. To optimise patient care, Ophthalmologists must develop the skills to create a comfortable atmosphere where patients talk openly and explain difficulties or side effects they may be experiencing. These modules help improve doctor-patient communication, share the responsibility of care, and improve problem-solving, to deliver personalised patient care in the absence of direct contact”.
The seven communication skills topics include:
- Purposeful Communication – achieving better care, shared responsibility and improved problem solving, whilst working towards a shared objective of treatment
- You Matter - beginning with a purpose in mind, and conveying that ‘you matter’ to the patient whilst agreeing the path to treatment outcome
- Empathetic Listening – being attentive and responsive whilst listening, and how this affects what the patient hears
- Straight talking with a warm heart – adapt to the patient’s style of internalising information to achieve adherence to a shared treatment plan
- Non-verbal communication – understanding the seven types of non-verbal communication. Using awareness to address patient concerns, problems and issues while supporting their treatment pathway
- Managing Stress - identify stress and its' effects. Learn stress management tools and techniques to improve communication with patients
- Emotional Control - how emotions can disrupt work performance and communication style. What it means for patients and clinical practice.
Matthew Olsen, Marketing Manager at Théa Pharmaceuticals, says, "We're excited to launch these soft skills as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting the development of our fellow eye health professionals. Courses are freely available and are categorised under Professional Managerial for RCO CPD points (1 per course) and Communication for GOC CPD points. The Théa Academy is open to all."
FURTHER INFORMATION:
W: https://academy.thea-pharmaceuticals.co.uk/
1Théa Pharmaceuticals. ECOS-G survey. September 2020.
