Workshops | Talking Allowed

TalkingAllowed

“One of the best learning opportunities I have had in my medical career."

Talking Allowed deliver training in-person and online to multi-disciplinary or single-grade groups. Whether focusing on video, telephone or in-person consultations, our training covers a broad range of communication skills for F1 and F2 doctors, Core Trainees, Registrars and Consultants.

"Brilliantly well organised and delivered. Very much enjoyed the training being led by non-medics."

With backgrounds in theatre, Talking Allowed applies Forum Theatre and aspects of Motivational Interviewing to engender a safe and inspiring learning environment. We embed reflective practice into all of our training, which is valued highly by organisers and participants alike.

"I loved how interactive the sessions were - highly thought-provoking, engaging and relevant."

Group Size: In-person training designed for 15 participants max, online for 8-10 ideally.

Talking Allowed training examples:

General Communication Skills

In-person – whole day or half day - this training focuses on person-centred interaction, non-verbal communication, facemask challenges, active listening, working as a team and tackling communication hurdles within teams. It raises awareness of how and what we communicate, and the effect this has on others in the workplace.

"It's not prescriptive – you explore as a group. It's fun and dynamic.

Online - delivered over two half days and conducted online with participants in their own private workspace.

Incorporating all of the above, this training explores explicitly the challenges of communication via screen and on the telephone in this increasingly important area of medical practice.

"Eye and ear-opening! Invaluable, insightful training in online human 'presence' + rapport-building."

Breaking Bad News

We deliver this training in-person and online as a half day session. This is one of our most popular training offers, focusing on an area which can cause life-long challenges for healthcare professionals.

Working with a facilitator and an actor and using scenarios, we explore and unpick as a group the giving and receiving of bad news. Participants have the chance to rehearse different approaches, with feedback given by colleagues and the patient/relative in-role.

To be able to try out new things post feedback from a patient-in-role was particularly useful –

I’ve never had that opportunity before."

DNACPR Conversations

Since 2014 there has been a legal requirement for patients/families to be involved in the DNACPR decision-making process. Our training equips participants to initiate these vital and often difficult conversations.

Developed in collaboration with a consultant orthogeriatrician, it uses the familiar DNACPR/ReSPECT form as an entry point into the ethical, practical and medical issues that such conversations address.

"I now feel much more confident about approaching this DNACPR discussion. Really helpful."

Curriculum capabilities and competencies addressed

F1 and F2 Doctors:

Our online and in-person training addresses aspects of the Higher Level Outcomes of Sections 1 (accountable, compassionate doctors), 2 (valuable members of the workforce) and 3 (who are professional and responsible for their own practice and portfolio development), with a particular focus on Foundation Professional Capabilities 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11 and 12.

Core Training Systems

We can provide online and in-person training that covers many of the competencies and intended learning outcomes relating to communication skills in the curriculum for most core training schemes (e.g. GP VTS, RCPsych, Physician Associates). We particularly focus on attitudes demonstrated through behaviours, developing reflective practice and habits of lifelong learning.

Registrars and Consultants

Our online or in-person training provides valuable CPD opportunities for experienced doctors. We can help meet aspects of the Good Medical Practice framework and our approach encourages reflective practice in both training content and participant feedback.