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Topic

Effective communication

Content

A collection of six eLearning modules developed for clinical staff to practice and refine their patient communication skills:

  1. Welcome Communication Strategies in Patient Care
  2. The importance of good communication
  3. Core foundations of patient-centred communication
  4. Introduction to difficult conversations
  5. Difficult conversations in oncology and palliative and care
  6. Introducing palliative care

Depth

Basic to intermediate

Target audience

Clinical staff, especially those working in supportive and palliative care, chronic pain management, and end-of-life care, as well as general practice, nursing and allied health

Time to complete

3 hours

Authors

University of Melbourne and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre:

  • Dr David Kok – Radiation Oncologist, Director of Training, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and VCCC Convenor, Master of Cancer Sciences
  • Ms Justine Diggens – Senior Clinical Psychologist, Peter Mac
  • Dr Daniel Sapkaroski – Radiotherapist and Clinical Educator, Peter Mac
  • Dr Sathana Dushyanthen – Medical Educator, University of Melbourne and VCCC

Comments

Features of the course include evidence-based patient case studies, patient stories and perspectives, interactive theoretical content, videos, animations and activities to complete.

Registration required

Yes

Payment required

No

Student support

No

Certificate

Unsure

Country of origin

Australia

Web address

https://vcccalliancelearn.org.au/courses/communication-strategies-patient-care

Last updated 15 June 2026