Institute for Healthcare Communication

The Institute for Healthcare Communication (IHC) offers unique—and uniquely valuable—skills development programs to help individual clinicians and healthcare team members communicate more effectively with patients and families--and with one another. We believe that how well clinicians listen to their patients is as important as the tests and medications they recommend. We teach clinicians how to listen better and communicate more effectively with their patients. We start by noticing what they do well and then build on their strengths. We provide them with specific tools to improve their communication, and opportunities to practice those skills in a safe and supportive environment. We know that when patients feel they are heard, everyone benefits. The literature is compelling: the benefits of enhanced healthcare communication skills include greater patient satisfaction, improved adherence, lower malpractice risk and more satisfied employees. IHC is accredited to provide continuing education through the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) through a co-provider relationship with the University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing.