Improve your skills and confidence in news delivery

Informing expectant parents that their unborn baby may have a significant health concern is a very difficult task, and the way sonographers communicate can make a lasting impact. In this course, you will hear from sonographers, parents and researchers about this important topic. You will be guided through nationally recognised guidelines for improving communication of unexpected news during screening - including learning specific behaviours and phrases that can help you with this challenging task. The course is designed primarily for sonographers delivering pregnancy screening. Tiny Tickers' charitable work focuses on congenital heart disease, but the guidelines discussed in this course are equally applicable to delivering news of any potential concerns.
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A songrapher scanning a pregnant woman

Course curriculum

    1. A quick guide to how to use this platform

    2. A welcome from Jon Arnold - your course host

      FREE PREVIEW

    3. Learning outcomes

    4. Before we begin

    1. Jon's experience with Zoe

    1. A unique setting - why communication is key

    2. Reflection on the challenges

    1. What sonographers tell us

    2. What parents tell us

    1. Summing up the challenge

    2. Reflection on the sonographer and parental perspectives

    1. The pressures of the scan room

    2. Clear and honest communication

    3. The words we use and the empathy we show

    4. The emotional burden

    5. Coping strategies and the value of teamwork

    6. Reflections on our sonographer panel

About this course

  • £20.00
  • 27 lessons
  • Estimated 2 hours to complete
  • Certificate upon completion
  • Got a discount code? Enter it at checkout

What is included?

An essential course for all antenatal sonographers and other health professionals facing the difficult task of communicating unexpected news to parents at screening appointments.

  • Examination of consensus guidelines for improving communication

  • Real life stories from health professionals and parents

  • How your language makes a difference

  • Specific advice and phrases to use

  • Opportunities for reflective practice

  • Certificate upon completion

Your course host

Jon Arnold

Tiny Tickers Chief Executive

Jon has been with Tiny Tickers for more than a decade. As well as being our Chief Executive throughout that time, Jon has held patient and public representative positions on a number of groups including the NHS England Clinical Reference Group for Congenital Heart Disease, and the Expert Scientific and Clinical Advisory Panel for the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Disease Registration Service. Jon is father to Zoe, who was born with a complete AVSD and had open heart surgery as an infant.

FAQ

  • Who is the course aimed at?

    This course is recommended for all antenatal sonographers carrying out 20-week anatomy scans as well as students and other health professionals wanting to refresh and enhance their skills in delivering unexpected news.

  • Can I enrol my team or colleagues for this course?

    Yes, please email [email protected] if you wish to enrol multiple individuals on the course.

  • I am from outside the UK, will the course still be suitable for me?

    Yes. The course is relevant to anyone who has the task of delivering unexpected news - the framework discussed during the course was created in the UK but is equally applicable elsewhere.

  • Will I receive a certificate for my CPD?

    Yes, you will receive a downloadable certificate upon completion of the course.

  • Do you offer a student discount?

    Yes, we offer a discount for students, please contact [email protected] for more information.

Enrol on this course today

Improve your confidence and skills communicating unexpected news during pregnancy screening

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With thanks to Finlay and Ruth Macleod for their generous help funding of this course in memory of their beloved son, Finlay Eric.