Recent Work
Current Training Offerings
Relationship-Centered Communication for Healthcare Professionals
Length: 4 sessions at 50 minutes each or 1 session at 3-4 hours (customization available)
Description:
Use of effective communication by clinicians has been shown to improve patient outcomes, patient-clinician relationships, and overall patient experiences along with reducing healthcare costs. Clinicians who participate in communication skills training report higher levels of personal well-being and improved attitudes toward patient care. Relationship-centered communication (RCC) is an approach that supports effective healthcare conversations. RCC offers healthcare professionals a toolbox of practical communication skills including listening, empathy, and compassion. Through this training, healthcare professionals will learn key RCC skills to support effective patient encounters.
Learning Objectives:
After this training, participants will be able to:
- Summarize the importance of relationship-centered communication in healthcare
- Discuss how communication can be used to strengthen patient encounters
- Apply communication skills to open, build, and close effective patient encounters
Content:
Session 1: Setting the Stage for Effective Patient Encounters
- Skills: Creating rapport, eliciting the list, negotiating the agenda
Session 2: Building a Trusting Patient-Provider Relationship
- Skills: Opening the conversation, exploring the personal story, responding with empathy
Session 3: Ending Patient Encounters Effectively
- Skills: Sharing information, using the teach-back method, closing the visit
Session 4: Putting It All Together
- Skills: Skill review, practice
Using Dissemination Science to Strengthen the Research to Practice Pipeline
Length: 1 session at 30-45 minutes
Description:
This training introduces participants to the core concepts and practical strategies of dissemination science, emphasizing its critical role in translating research into real-world impact. Participants learn the importance of identifying key audiences, tailoring messages, choosing effective communication channels, and evaluating dissemination efforts using a structured, evidence-informed framework. Drawing on communication science and real-world examples, this session equips researchers and practitioners with tools to plan, package, and strategically share their findings in ways that promote adoption and use, especially within Appalachian and underserved contexts.
Learning Objectives:
After this training, participants will be able to:
- Define dissemination science and distinguish it from related concepts such as diffusion
- Identify key components of the dissemination process
- Explain how dissemination science supports the translation of research findings into real-world practice
Content:
What is dissemination science?
Elements of the dissemination process
Value-Added Research Dissemination Framework
Dissemination Principles
Social and Behavioral Change Communication: A Strategic Approach to Health Promotion
Length: 1 session at 30-45 minutes
Description:
This training introduces participants to social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) as a theory-driven, evidence-informed approach to improving public health through strategic communication. Participants will explore the socio-ecological foundations of SBCC, learn how to apply it using the structured “P Process” framework, and consider evaluation strategies to assess the impact of their communication efforts. Through real-world examples and participatory discussion, attendees will gain foundational knowledge and practical tools to develop, implement, and evaluate communication strategies that drive meaningful behavior change.
Learning Objectives:
After this training, participants will be able to:
- Define social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) and describe its role in influencing health behaviors
- Identify the five steps of the P Process and explain how it supports the development of effective SBCC interventions
- Describe basic approaches for evaluating SBCC efforts using frameworks such as RE-AIM
Content:
What is social and behavioral change communication (SBCC)?
Use of the P Process to apply SBCC in practice
Basics of health behavior theory
Basics of evaluation on SBCC projects
Understanding Appalachian Culture to Support Health Research and Practice
Length: 1 session at 30-45 minutes
This training introduces participants to the cultural values, historical context, and communication preferences that shape health behaviors and decision-making in Appalachian communities. By deepening understanding of family structures, faith influences, and health literacy, participants will be better prepared to engage Appalachian populations in health research and care. The session emphasizes culturally responsive strategies that build trust and improve communication in rural settings to support more effective research and practice.
Learning Objectives:
After this training, participants will be able to:
- Describe key cultural and historical characteristics of Appalachian communities that influence engagement in health research and care.
- Identify communication barriers and cultural considerations relevant to working with rural Appalachian populations.
- Explain how culturally responsive, person-centered communication can build trust and support participation in health-related initiatives.
Content:
Appalachian cultural norms and values, including the role of family, religion, and community in health decision-making
Strategies for communicating clearly with populations with low health literacy, including the use of plain language and visual supports
Approaches to building trust and strengthening engagement in health research and public health practice in rural settings
Creating a Professional Social Profile for Health Professionals
Length: 1 session at 50-60 minutes
This workshop equips participants with practical strategies to develop and manage a professional online presence. With social media increasingly used by employers to evaluate candidates, participants will learn how to audit personal content, build an effective LinkedIn profile, and use social media platforms to promote research and career goals. The session offers step-by-step guidance for transitioning from personal to professional use, with action items that support long-term reputation management and visibility in professional networks.
Learning Objectives:
After this training, participants will be able to:
- Apply strategies to audit and clean personal social media accounts for a professional online presence
- Develop a polished LinkedIn profile that highlights relevant experience, education, and professional goals
- Use social media platforms to share research, connect with colleagues, and engage with professional communities online