WORKSHOP ON COMMUNICATION SKILLS AT FATIMA JINNAH MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

The first day of the workshop highlighted the key points regarding a good PowerPoint presentation, which was followed by a group activity in which the participants practiced how to make a presentation using the guidelines.

Prof. Dr. Bilquis Shabbir guided the participants regarding clipping and editing videos in their PowerPoint presentations. This was followed by an interactive session on various aspects of good communication with patients and peer colleagues, such as active listening, paraphrasing, summarization, and reflection.

The participants were engaged in different group activities and practiced their communication skills.

At the end of the first day of the workshop, Prof. Dr. Noreen Akmal gave her valuable remarks regarding the PowerPoint presentation and gathered feedback from the participants.

The second day of the workshop was started with guidance regarding effective feedback by Prof. Dr. Aysha Rashid and the role it plays in our professional lives. This was followed by group PowerPoint presentations by the participants. The participants actively practiced the technique of effective feedback by using the sandwich technique and self-reflection, which was further refined by the valuable remarks of Prof. Dr. Aysha Rashid. The last activity was on digital communication, where Dr. Mariam Iftikhar highlighted the importance of following ethics while using digital platforms. This was followed by a group activity where the participants practiced how to write a consultation email, a referral letter, a reply to a patient’s query, and a message to a peer for organizing an intra-departmental meetings.

The third day of the workshop was initiated by Prof. Dr. Aysha Rashid with effective time management strategies and the identification of barriers creating hindrances in managing the daily schedule. Each participant was asked about their routine and how do they cope up with it, and they were asked to practice certain strategies that can help them in managing time effectively. This was followed by a general discussion on conflict and how it should be resolved, which was facilitated by Dr. Mariam Iftikhar. Group activity on different scenarios was carried out, addressing the factors leading to conflict and practicing effective strategies that could help them resolve a conflict. The last part of the workshop was on Breaking Bad News. Dr. Mariam Iftikhar, along with one of the participants of the workshop, did the role play and guided the participants about using right setting and approach for breaking the bad news. Prof. Dr. Aysha Rashid elaborated further regarding the handling of various scenarios while breaking bad news occurring in healthcare settings.

The concluding session of the workshop was graced by the presence of respected Prof. Dr. Bilquis Shabbir as a Chief guest. She gave her valuable feedback, and the session was closed with a group photograph with all the participants. It was a wonderful experience, and PGRs have given positive feedback.

It was hoped that this type of workshop would be continued under the kind patronage of the esteemed Vice Chancellor, FJMU Prof. Khalid Masud Gondal, in a better way.