Effective Consultations In VTE

Welcome to The Foundations of Effective Communication in VTE Care, a two-hour course designed to provide a solid grounding in the key principles of communication for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with Venous Thromboembolism (VTE).

Communication lies at the heart of every patient interaction — yet it is often under-recognised as a clinical skill. This course explores why how we communicate is just as important as what we communicate, and how the quality of our conversations can directly influence a patient’s understanding, emotional response, treatment adherence, and long-term outcomes.

In this course, you’ll explore:

• The importance of communication in building trust and improving clinical outcomes
• The core structure and elements of an effective consultation
• Practical strategies to enhance listening, empathy, and shared decision-making
• Insights from both a healthcare professional and a patient with lived experience of VTE

This unit includes:

• Why Communication Is So Important – A reflective talk on the clinical and psychological impact of good communication, and why it should be prioritised at every stage of care.
• The Consultation: Some Nuts and Bolts – A practical overview of what makes consultations effective, with a focus on structure, language, and patient engagement.
• HCP Video: Marilyn Rees – VTE Specialist Nurse – A professional insight into communicating with patients who may be anxious, confused, or facing complex decisions.
• Patient Video: Clare – Multiple and Repeated Clots – A personal reflection on the real-world impact of communication—both positive and negative—throughout the VTE care journey.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what good communication looks like in practice and be equipped with techniques you can immediately apply to strengthen patient relationships and improve care outcomes.