Communicating Effectively Through Open Disclosure

Communicating Effectively Through Open Disclosure Online Training

Develop the communication skills and professional understanding needed to support open, honest, and compassionate conversations with patients and families following adverse events or difficult clinical situations.

This Communicating Effectively Through Open Disclosure Online Training course is designed for healthcare professionals and care staff who are involved in patient communication, incident response, safeguarding conversations, and delivering difficult information within healthcare environments.

The course provides essential guidance on open disclosure principles, patient rights, communication skills, breaking bad news, responding to adverse events, emotional management, documentation, and legal responsibilities.

Online Open Disclosure Training for Healthcare Staff

This online Communicating Effectively Through Open Disclosure training module helps healthcare professionals strengthen their communication skills while promoting transparency, trust, patient-centred care, and professional accountability.

The course focuses on compassionate communication, active listening, empathy, responding to adverse events, supporting patients and families, and maintaining professional standards during difficult conversations.

Who Should Complete This Course?

This course is suitable for:

• Nurses
• Healthcare Assistants
• Support Workers
• Doctors and GP Staff
• Clinical Support Workers
• Care Home Staff
• Community Healthcare Staff
• Allied Healthcare Professionals
• Mental Health Staff
• Any healthcare professional involved in patient communication and incident management

Course Duration

• Approximately 1 hour online learning
• Self-paced training
• Accessible on desktop, tablet, and mobile
• 1 CPD point awarded
• Certificate issued on successful completion
• 6 months access from the date of purchase

Course Aim

The aim of this course is to provide healthcare and care professionals with the knowledge and communication skills required to conduct open disclosure conversations professionally, compassionately, and ethically while supporting patients, families, and colleagues during difficult situations and adverse events.

What You Will Learn

By the end of the course learners will be able to:

• Understand the principles and importance of open disclosure
• Recognise patient rights in communication and decision-making
• Develop effective communication and active listening skills
• Use empathy and appropriate language during difficult conversations
• Understand how to break bad news sensitively
• Respond appropriately to adverse events and unexpected outcomes
• Manage personal emotions during challenging discussions
• Document open disclosure conversations accurately
• Understand legal and ethical responsibilities relating to open disclosure
• Promote transparency, professionalism, and patient trust

Course Modules
Module 1: Introduction to Open Disclosure

Understand the purpose and importance of open disclosure within healthcare settings.

Topics include:

• What is open disclosure?
• Importance of transparency in healthcare
• Benefits for patients and families
• Professional accountability
• Building trust and confidence
• Supporting safer healthcare environments

Module 2: Understanding Patient Rights

Develop awareness of patient rights relating to communication and involvement in care.

Topics include:

• Patient rights and dignity
• Informed communication
• Participation in decision-making
• Honest and transparent care
• Respecting patient autonomy
• Maintaining trust and respect

Module 3: Effective Communication Skills

Strengthen communication skills needed during difficult healthcare conversations.

Topics include:

• Active listening
• Empathy and compassion
• Verbal communication skills
• Non-verbal communication
• Appropriate language and tone
• Professional communication approaches

Module 4: Breaking Bad News

Learn how to deliver difficult information with sensitivity and professionalism.

Topics include:

• Preparing for difficult conversations
• Choosing an appropriate environment
• Delivering bad news sensitively
• Supporting patients and families emotionally
• Responding to reactions and questions
• Maintaining professionalism during distressing situations

Module 5: Responding to Adverse Events

Understand how to respond appropriately following adverse events or unexpected outcomes.

Topics include:

• Acknowledging adverse events
• Providing accurate information
• Expressing empathy and support
• Supporting patients and relatives
• Maintaining openness and honesty
• Professional accountability during incidents

Module 6: Managing Emotions and Reactions

Develop strategies for managing emotional responses during difficult conversations.

Topics include:

• Emotional awareness
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Supporting emotional wellbeing
• Maintaining professional composure
• Reflective practice
• Accessing support when needed

Module 7: Documentation and Follow-Up

Understand the importance of accurate documentation and ongoing support.

Topics include:

• Recording open disclosure discussions
• Accurate clinical documentation
• Follow-up communication
• Providing ongoing support
• Escalating concerns appropriately
• Maintaining professional records

Module 8: Legal and Ethical Considerations

Learn the legal and ethical responsibilities linked to open disclosure practice.

Topics include:

• Confidentiality and privacy
• Ethical communication
• Duty of candour
• Professional responsibilities
• Maintaining patient trust
• Legal accountability

Assessment and Certification

Learners will complete an end of course assessment to test their understanding of open disclosure principles, communication skills, adverse event responses, and professional responsibilities.

Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Communicating Effectively Through Open Disclosure Online Training certificate.

CPD Information

• 1 CPD point awarded
• Supports Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) continuing professional development requirements

Nursing CPD Requirements

Nurses are required to complete 35 hours of relevant CPD during their three-year revalidation period.

Of these 35 hours:

• A minimum of 20 hours should involve participatory learning
• CPD activities should support safe and effective practice
• Learning should remain relevant to professional responsibilities

UK Guidance and References

This course aligns with current UK healthcare guidance including:

• Duty of Candour guidance
• NHS patient safety standards
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) expectations
• NMC Code of Conduct
• Confidentiality and information governance guidance
• Patient-centred communication standards

Why Choose This Course?

• Designed specifically for healthcare and care professionals
• Flexible online learning
• Supports compassionate and professional communication
• Improves confidence in difficult conversations
• Promotes transparency and patient trust
• Covers legal, ethical, and documentation responsibilities
• Instant certification on completion

Additional Information

If you need more information about this course, please contact Train Healthcare directly:

Telephone: 0208 3266 704
Email: contact@trainhealthcare.com

Website: https://www.trainhealthcare.com

Please note that refunds are not available for online training purchases.

Enrol Online Today

Strengthen your communication skills, improve confidence in difficult conversations, and develop a compassionate, professional approach to open disclosure with Communicating Effectively Through Open Disclosure Online Training today.