Introduction to Communicating Effectively with Patients and Clients

Effective communication is essential to public health practice. This micro-training introduces communication skills for public health professionals working face-to-face with patients, clients, and community members. Participants will learn how to identify common communication barriers and apply plain-language strategies, culturally responsive approaches, and trauma-informed principles to enhance communication effectiveness.

*Please make sure you’re logged in if you want to receive a course certificate for this micro-training. 

Learning
Objectives: 

By the end of
this training learners will be able to:

  • Identify communication barriers and develop strategies to overcome them.
  • Apply plain-language principles to improve comprehension.
  • Demonstrate culturally responsive and trauma-informed communication.

Format: Self-paced
training

Duration: 
~20 minutes

Arranged
by: Dulce Rodriguez, Instructional Specialist

Subject Matter Experts: Phylicia Bediako, PhD

Target
Audience: Public
Health Professionals including community health workers, doctors, nurses,
social workers, dietitians, and health educators.

Published: April 2026

Disclosures:  The planners,
reviewers, and authors have no declared conflicts of interest.

CE Available: None

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