Graduate Certificate in
Health Action Training

This 35hr programme is open to learners from a range of fields helping to address universal and field-specific communication issues. The programme is applicable to all interpersonal communication, whether one-to-one or in team settings or the use of technology such as teletriage or video telephony.

The workshops use Health Action Training (HAT) techniques drawn from the performing arts, actor training and applied drama to improve interpersonal communication skills in challenging situations. The role plays, and simulations introduce learners to case scenarios that are specific to their field of practice. Assessment is done in small groups (2-6 learners) presenting a role play of a communication with a patient (and\or family). A 10-minute viva voce assessment will occur as soon after the role play as appropriate.

During this course, learners and teachers will share knowledge and collaborate creatively, using the framework of applied drama and ‘sympathetic presence’ to reflect on and improve their understanding and delivery of person-centred care and professional communication. The learning process involves a dialogical and experiential praxis of ‘learning through doing’, critical reflection and supportive group work, embedding the techniques and key concepts in a pragmatic approach to improving learners’ interpersonal communication skills and resilience.

Master classes from specialist experts, supplementary reading, online learning and group seminar discussion will support and deepen learning developed in the practical workshops, role plays and simulation. While the learning outcomes of the course apply a rigorous standard, learners will engage in open discussion with peers and tutors to set the agenda and influence the content and learning processes according to their own needs and priorities.

You will cover five main areas in this module, all of which will be referenced to your field of practice.

• Key performance and communication skills
• Accountability for communication
• Self-reflection and person-centred practice
• Self-care and personal resilience
• Relationship management, multi-professional and multi agency communication

At the end of the module learners will be able to:

• Understand and engage with communication skills and person-centred care, both in simulation and in their professional practice, and critically reflect on how this might help to address complaints, critical incidents and risk management processes, (including emotional risk and vulnerability) for communication within specific fields of health and social care.

• Demonstrate Health Action Training performance techniques and practices, through role play scenarios and evaluate the effect these have on performing dignified, compassionate and person-centred practice in a specific field of health and social care.

• Identify methods to improve self-care and enhance personal resilience, while building support networks, sharing best practices and role modelling advanced communication in health and social care environments.

• Improve and reflect on the skills necessary to manage relationships and communicate effectively with a variety of groups, including multi-professional and multi agency teams, in order to demonstrate communication skills and accountability in the care and support of individuals, families and communities that are compassionate and person-centred.

At the end of the module learners will be able to:

• Understand and engage with communication skills and person-centred care, both in simulation and in their professional practice, and critically reflect on how this might help to address complaints, critical incidents and risk management processes, (including emotional risk and vulnerability) for communication within specific fields of health and social care.

• Demonstrate Health Action Training performance techniques and practices, through role play scenarios and evaluate the effect these have on performing dignified, compassionate and person-centred practice in a specific field of health and social care.

• Identify methods to improve self-care and enhance personal resilience, while building support networks, sharing best practices and role modelling advanced communication in health and social care environments.

• Improve and reflect on the skills necessary to manage relationships and communicate effectively with a variety of groups, including multi-professional and multi agency teams, in order to demonstrate communication skills and accountability in the care and support of individuals, families and communities that are compassionate and person-centred.