Facilitating Communication Learning in Healthcare: A Reflective and Experiential Approach

Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026 | Time: 1435 - 1605 | Venue: L2-S2, Academia (SGH Campus)

Track Type: Workshop

Speaker(s):

Overview:

Effective communication is fundamental to quality healthcare, influencing patient trust, teamwork, and clinical outcomes. This interactive workshop presents a practical approach to teaching communication through reflective and experiential learning.

The workshop is based on a teaching model that the facilitator has implemented for six years with pre-registration pharmacists in a tertiary hospital. Prior to the communication session, learners receive a pre-reading slide deck introducing key concepts such as the importance of communication, common barriers to effective communication, and selected communication skills and tools. Learners are also asked to observe communication interactions in clinical settings and document their observations in reflective journals, focusing on encounters with both colleagues and patients. These journals are submitted prior to the session and serve as authentic learning material and case studies.

During the facilitated session, learners share communication challenges described in their journals. The group analyses these real-life cases, exploring what occurred during moments of communication breakdown and discussing alternative approaches. Participants benefit from peer learning through authentic cases, while the facilitator guides discussion to highlight key communication principles and strategies. Learners are also introduced to the concepts of intrapersonal and interpersonal communication, encouraging reflection on how personal experiences, values, and cultural backgrounds influence communication behaviours.

In addition, participants engage in role-play activities that simulate common communication breakdowns between healthcare professionals and patients, as well as among colleagues. Role play provides a safe environment for practice of newly-acquired communication skills.

Learning Outcome(s):

By the end of the symposium, participants will be able to:

1. Apply facilitation techniques – including reflective journaling, guided discussion, role play, and case study analysis – to structure communication learning sessions.

2. Facilitate reflective conversations that help learners analyse communication breakdowns and develop intrapersonal and interpersonal communication skills.

Target Audience:

Healthcare professionals who intent to improve communication skills of junior practitioners.