Advanced Communication Skills Training
Build advanced communication skills and learn to confidently handle complex or difficult conversations through our virtual Advanced Communications Skills Training, with FrontLine.
Key information
- Suitable for: Band 6+ healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, allied health professionals and other clinical staff
- Delivery method: Virtual (including a two-day online workshop, one-to-one coaching session, and video-based e-learning)
- Delivered by: Experienced healthcare professionals and qualified educators
- Duration: Two-day workshop, plus pre-workshop e-learning (approx 2-3 hour commitment) and 30-60 minute coaching session
- CPD-accredited: 12 credits
- Cost: £700 per delegate
- Maximum delegates: Small group of up to 10 participants
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Course description
Whether we’re sharing complex information, supporting people at the end of life, or helping families make difficult decisions, how we communicate can have a lasting impact.
Delivered by the Sue Ryder International Learning Academy team in partnership with FrontLine Communication, the Advanced Communication Skills Training (ACST) programme is designed to help healthcare professionals handle difficult or emotive conversations with clarity and confidence.
Widely regarded as the gold standard in healthcare communication training, this course is aligned with the NHS ACCEND framework and combines well-established communication theories alongside insights from healthcare professionals who navigate challenging conversations every day.
The training is delivered in three parts, with all accessible remotely. After completing e-learning and a one-to-one coaching session, you'll join an interactive, two-day workshop via Zoom, where you can practice communication skills in a safe, structured environment – including through tailored role-play scenarios with professional actors.
What you'll learn
- Develop clarity and confidence in purpose-led communication, ensuring conversations remain patient-centred even in moments of uncertainty or emotional intensity.
- Apply a clear, structured approach to sensitive and complex conversations to improve understanding, shared decision making and collaborative care planning.
- Recognise and reduce blocking behaviours that limit openness, escalate distress, or prevent patients and relatives from expressing their true concerns.
- Respond effectively to emotional cues and strong emotions, using advanced communication strategies that support safety, compassion, and relational connection.
- Practise communication skills in safe, experiential environments through tailored role-play with professional actors, gaining insight and confidence to manage real-world challenges.
- Create conditions that support clearer thinking—for patients, relatives, and colleagues—by using high-quality attention, empathy, curiosity and psychologically safe communication practices.
- Build a personalised communication action plan that strengthens day-to-day clinical conversations and enhances both patient experience and professional wellbeing.
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