Despite the widespread integration of communication skills training in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, implementing large-scale, sustained communication skills interventions (CSI) for practicing healthcare professionals remains a complex challenge.

To address this, we are excited to launch a Special Interest Group (SIG) focused on implementing and supporting institution-wide, regional and national CSI programmes across healthcare systems.

Why This SIG?

• Publications in Patient Education and Counseling (PEC)
• ICCH conference sessions (2022 & 2024), including a packed roundtable in Zaragoza with over 40 attendees
• A WHO-EACH webinar series drawing hundreds of global participants

This growing interest highlights a critical need for a dedicated community to explore and share best practices, address common barriers, and drive forward the implementation of impactful CSI programmes.

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Our Aims

• Build a network of EACH members involved or interested in large-scale CSI initiatives for practicing professionals.
• Facilitate the exchange of knowledge, challenges, and solutions around implementing these programmes.
• Promote the development, evaluation, and sustainability of CSI efforts across diverse healthcare settings.

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What to Expect: Planned Activities

SIG Initiatives:

• Networking Webinars on CSI programme design, getting buy-in etc.
• How to develop, implement and sustain CSI?
• Resource development and contributions to the EACH teaching tools database
• Mapping existing CSI efforts globally
• Creating research collaborations (in partnership with rEACH, HCER SIG, and others)
• Conference presentations and SIG networking sessions at ICCH and beyond
• Facilitating in-person networking and peer participation in trainings

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Join Us!

Whether you’re leading a CSI programme, developing a new initiative, or just starting to explore this area, we invite you to be part of this dynamic and supportive group.

Together, we can elevate the communication skills of practicing health professionals—and by extension, improve patient care and system outcomes around the world.

To express interest or learn more, contact: John.Schloemer@goeg.at o lmille41@utk.edu

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Co-chairs

John Schlömer, Austrian National Public Health Institute, John.Schloemer@goeg.at
Laura E. Miller, University of Tennessee, School of Communication Studies, lmille41@utk.edu 

Oficiales

Marcy Rosenbaum, marcy-rosenbaum@uiowa.edu
Marlene Sator, marlene.sator@goeg.at

Elizabeth Dunn, elizabeth.dunn24@nhs.net
Connie Timmermann, connie.timmermann@rsyd.dk

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Upcoming Webinar!

Launching the SIG on Large-Scale Communication Skills Interventions: Overview & Open Forum webinar on 15th September 3pm-5pm BST

This free webinar is open to anyone who is interested in large scale communication skills interventions regardless of their experience with it and whether they are looking to build a program or sustain & expand an existing one. You can help shape the work of this SIG!

Hacer clic HERE to register or visit https://fitwise.eventsair.com/launchingsigonlargescalecommskillsinterventions/delreg