NHS England is pleased to announce the launch of a new e-learning module – ‘Handling difficult situations – Caring for yourself and others with compassion’.

This training course is being offered to all frontline, patient facing NHS colleagues, and aims to teach colleagues the skills and techniques to handle difficult situations with compassion, including using appropriate communication techniques and active listening skills, whilst focussing on how to keep yourself safe and seek support if you feel affected by a situation.

The skills learnt in the training are considered transferable and can be used in a wide range of difficult situations, for example where patients may present in a challenging or distressed manner, during instances of uncivil behaviour or when speaking about difficult topics of conversation.  The training also offers insight into models of self-awareness, self-compassion and emotional intelligence – all of which are important in looking after our own wellbeing, as well as that of others.

What will I learn on the training?

All delegates will:

• Gain an understanding of what we mean by compassion and the types of difficult situations our NHS colleagues may face, using case studies based on real life experiences from our NHS people
• Learn about foundation-level communication skills and techniques that will support you to consider how to handle a difficult situation safely and with compassion
• Have access to dedicated time to practice the skills and techniques discussed in a safe space, with the support of a facilitator and your group
• Engage with other colleagues across the NHS and the opportunity to learn from shared experiences
• Receive up-to-date information on the national health and wellbeing support offers available from NHS England

Feedback from the training

Who can sign up

This training is targeted at colleagues in patient-facing, frontline roles across all sectors of the NHS, who may not have received any training of this type before. Please note that the communication techniques and skills taught are foundation level – this is not an advanced level course.

How do I sign up?

You can access the e-learning module for free through the Health Education e-Learning for Healthcare website by signing up here.

You can also locate the training on ESR.

If you have any questions about the programme or would like to read the evaluation of the programme, please email ournhspeople.hwb@nhs.net.