Communication
Communication
Communication is at the very heart of practicing medicine and can be one of the most rewarding but also challenging aspects in the role of a doctor. The GMC Good Medical Practice Guidance highlights the importance of good communication to ensure we work in partnership with both colleagues and patients towards shared decision making.
Whilst resident doctors in training will have already received some formal training in communication skills, the expectations, standards and challenges of participating in honest, accurate and sensitive communication will undoubtedly evolve through the training journey. Some doctors may also face additional challenges due to cultural and/or language differences, neurodivergent conditions, or other personal circumstances.
There are separate but related support pages related to exam support, neurodivergence and for doctors who are international medical graduates here:
Working within medicine provides a varied work environment where resident doctors will face a range of roles and responsibilities. At different stages of training there will be an expectation to co-ordinate appropriate clinical duties to lead and organise care for patients. This may involve taking an obvious leadership role, such as the nominated team leader for a resuscitation team, where clear and assertive communication is integral to the work involved. Many aspects of the routine work of being a doctor can give rise to conflict. Being able to ask for help, being able to say no, or being able to deal with a challenging conversation requires effective communication skills.
Many of these skills come with experience. However, it can also be helpful to have some more concrete strategies and resources to build knowledge and confidence in this area.
Some individual specialty colleges may provide additional learning resources around communication skills development; for example the RCPE Education Portal (please note: some content may require member login).
Suggested Resources
(Free unless otherwise stated)
Clinical Documentation Cheat Sheet and Examples to Use in 2025
A practical overview of best practices in clinical documentation. Includes guidance on using templates, writing in real time, avoiding note bloat, using bullet points for clarity, and applying professional language. Also highlights the importance of teamwork, peer feedback, and time management in record-keeping.
Effective record-keeping - The MDU
Clear, comprehensive guidance from the Medical Defence Union on maintaining accurate, professional, and legally compliant clinical records. Useful for all stages of training and practice. *Free for MDU members (Membership Required).
The Complete Digital Platform for Teaching and Learning Consultation Skills
Training resource for learners and educators, developed by experienced NHS clinicians to improve how consultation skills are taught, learned, and practiced across healthcare.
EC4H – Effective Communication for Healthcare
Hosted by NHS Lothian, EC4H is Scotland's leading NHS communication training programme, designed by clinicians for clinicians. The programme offers a range of courses aimed at enhancing communication skills within healthcare settings. *Charge may apply depending on course & location
Communication Skills Course for International Medical Graduates – Medical Protection Society
The Medical Protection Society offers a live, interactive, four-hour virtual workshop aimed at developing tools and techniques for clear, effective communication in a wide range of scenarios. The course covers building and maintaining rapport with patients, structuring consultations, conveying empathy, and managing difficult conversation. *Free for MPS members (Membership required)
Managing conflict between doctors and patients- Medical Defence Unit
This is a full-day virtual course. Addresses how to manage and resolve conflicts in communication between doctors and patients. *Charge applies (Available to members; check with MDU for rates)
Managing Conflict with Colleagues - Medical Defence Unit
This is a full-day virtual course. Addresses managing conflicts between colleagues, which requires effective interpersonal and communication skills. *Charge applies (Available to members; check with MDU for rates)
Open University: Effective communication in the workplace
Free OU course on the importance of effective communication in the workplace (not specifically medical).
BMA Courageous conversations at work - recorded webinar
This recorded webinar from the British Medical Association explores how to approach challenging or sensitive conversations in the workplace with confidence and professionalism. It covers key communication techniques, managing emotional responses, and fostering a respectful, supportive work environment. Suitable for all doctors and healthcare professionals navigating difficult interactions in clinical or team settings. *Free for BMA members (Membership required)
An evidence-based initiative highlighting the critical role of civility, respect, and kindness in healthcare settings. This resource emphasizes how positive workplace culture directly improves patient safety, staff wellbeing, and team performance. It offers practical strategies for promoting respectful communication and reducing workplace incivility and conflict.
This page was last updated on: 05.11.2025 at 10.41