Patient-centred communication based on motivational interviewing University of Tartu

Overview

On-site in Tartu 4-8 August 2025

Communication is an important component in all areas of life, especially where you have to work with people such as medicine, psychology, social work, etc. Communication is also an important component in collegial relationships, including skills that help reduce tensions and conflicts.

Patient-centred communication is an approach to healthcare communication that prioritises the needs and preferences of the patient. It involves actively engaging patients in their healthcare by fostering a collaborative and respectful relationship between healthcare providers and patients. This approach recognises the importance of the patient's perspective, values, and autonomy in the decision-making process. Adopting patient-centred communication practices has been associated with improved patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment plans, and health outcomes. It helps build trust between patients and healthcare providers, fostering a positive and supportive healthcare environment.

The objective of the course is to enable learners to acquire evidence-based basic knowledge of person/patient-centred communication and counselling and create conditions for their application in standard situations and get an idea of how to develop their communication skills further.

Learning outcomes

After passing the subject, the student:

• recognises situations where the basic skills and techniques of person/patient-centred communication, including counselling, can be used;
• knows how to use person/patient-centred communication and motivation skills when conducting basic consultations and counselling clients/patients.
• applies evidence-based communication techniques in given situational tasks when conducting consultation and working in a team;

Accreditation

Every seven years, all Estonian higher education institutions must undergo external evaluation – institutional accreditation. The latest assessment took place in 2022. The assessment council of the Estonian Quality Agency for Education decided to accredit the University of Tartu for the next seven years (2023-2029).