Name: Advanced Communication Skills Training
Start: 2026-09-29T08:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-09-30T17:00:00+01:00
Location: Royal Sussex County Hospital

This event is run by The Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA). Day 1 will be held virtually on MS Teams, followed by day 2 face to face.
About this Event

Advanced Communication Skills Training (ACST) is a 2-day experiential training, delivered through a blended learning approach by the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance Education Team. Through attendance of this course, participants will advance their knowledge, skills and behaviours in confident communication with patient’s, families and members of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT), across a variety of different scenarios. Participants will be prepared and supported throughout this course through dedicated 1:1 support from the course facilitators, and a pre-learning workbook.

Day one aims to explore the psychological impact of illness on patients and their families, identify personal and systemic barriers to communication. The day aims increase participants knowledge on the power of empathy and active listening, advanced communication theories and models, and scenarios to best utilise these models in practice, such as; Breaking Bad News, Motivational Interviewing and de-escalation.

Day two focuses on embedding the models and theories taught in day one, in a psychologically-safe, simulated learning environment, utilising a previous interaction of the participant’s choosing. Participants must complete their pre-learning workbook, attend their dedicated 1:1 session and both training days in order to successfully complete this course.

ACST is ideally pitched for clinical, patient-facing staff at Enhanced – Consultant ACCEND Levels of Practice.

Before the course you must meet with your facilitator to understand your chosen scenario so we can build this into your learning. Please ensure you come to this session with a scenario prepared. This is a mandatory part of the course.

This event is funded by Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance, places are limited, if you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible on [email protected] so we may be able to offer the space to another person. Non attendance with less than 24 hours notice may incur a penalty fine.

Day 1 - virtual MS Teams

You must have access to a working tablet, ipad, laptop or PC to undertake this training with a working microphone and camera installed. Undertaking this training on your mobile phone is not permitted as you will not be able to fully participate ith all elements of this interactive training.

Day 2 - face to face, Audrey Emerton Building Level 2: rooms TBC

For any queries relating to this course, please email: [email protected]