EC4H is Scotland’s leading NHS communication training programme — led by clinicians for clinicians
Our programmes make a difference.
We go beyond the theory and support staff to work out what to say and how to say it.
That gives staff the confidence and skills to manage those difficult conversations.
The EC4H Story
—Dr Belinda Hacking
About 18 years ago, when I was working in oncology, a patient was explaining to me how they had given consent for a medical treatment that they had subsequently regretted. They recognised that the treatment may have been effective in terms of limiting their cancer, but the impact on their quality of life had been negative. It occurred to me this person may not have been referred to me in the psycho-oncology clinic had they had a different type of consultation.
EC4H started as a series of communication courses in NHS Lothian. We designed courses that went beyond theory to the heart of real clinical situations. Staff were given support to reflect on their communication style. We have refined and developed the teaching and coaching, keeping up to date with the most recent insights from education and psychology.
EC4H has now grown; the majority of NHS Boards across Scotland have licences, hosted by NHS Lothian. Clinical staff support all the NHS Boards with tutor training, new courses, educational materials and a network of trainers so that the quality of the courses is maintained.
The best moments for me now are when people tell me how much they enjoyed the course, how much they have learnt and what that means to them.
One person said to me recently,
‘ EC4H has not just helped me to manage difficult conversations at work that I had previously avoided, but it has also helped me to feel less stressed. I reflect on what I am going to say more now, I think that it even helps me with our teenage children!’
EC4H Online 2020/21
In October 2020, EC4H launched a new programme of online webinars, short workshops and 3-hour topic workshops:
- Anticipatory care planning
(community & care homes) - ACP in hospitals
(treatment escalation/emergency care planning) - Responding to adverse events and complaints
- Having realistic conversations
(shared decision-making in practice) - Being Open after Adverse Events (Maternity)
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Workshops available now:
- Being Open after an Adverse Event webinar
- Talking about Anticipatory Care Planning in hospitals (Online)
- Responding to complaints during COVID-19 (online)
- Communication Challenges in NHS Practice: workshops for senior trainees in Palliative Medicine, Oncology and Acute Medicine
Click on the title to find out more and book a place.
Apply for a workshop
How to have realistic conversations
Being Open
How to have difficult conversations
What they say
I had been concerned about role play pre workshop but felt it was extremely useful in practice. It felt like a safe, non-threatening environment with a proactive group who supported each other. The trainers were enthusiastic, encouraging and supportive and gave constructive criticism and positive feedback in equal measure. I learned to be careful about how an apology is presented and to pause to ensure that information is received. I really enjoyed this course.
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The use of real life challenges/scenarios was very effective