Patient-centred Communication: Based on Motivational Interviewing

Communication is an important component in all areas of life, especially where you have to work with people such as medicine, psychology, social work, etc. Communication is also an important component in collegial relationships, including skills that help reduce tensions and conflicts.

Patient-centered communication is an approach to healthcare communication that prioritizes the needs and preferences of the patient. It involves actively engaging patients in their healthcare by fostering a collaborative and respectful relationship between healthcare providers and patients. This approach recognizes the importance of the patient's perspective, values, and autonomy in the decision-making process. Adopting patient-centered communication practices has been associated with improved patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment plans, and health outcomes. It helps build trust between patients and healthcare providers, fostering a positive and supportive healthcare environment.

The objective of the course is to enable learners to acquire evidence-based basic knowledge of person/patient-centered communication and counseling and create conditions for their application in standard situations and get an idea of ​​how to develop their communication skills further.

Course leader

Inga Karton, PhD (Psychology), Lecturer in Communication Psychology in the University of Tartu, Psychologist, MI Trainer

Target group

Bachelor's, master's, PhD

Course aim

After passing the subject, the student:

- recognises situations where the basic skills and techniques of person/patient-centred communication, including counselling, can be used;
- knows how to use person/patient-centred communication and motivation skills when conducting basic consultations and counselling clients/patients.
- applies evidence-based communication techniques in given situational tasks when conducting consultation and working in a team;
- understands the impact of attitudes and values on the quality of communication, the occurrence of treatment errors and conflicts both at the individual and team level and applies conflict resolution techniques on a case-by-case basis.