Fifty health practitioners from twenty healthcare facilities in Winneba recently attended a capacity-building workshop. The event focused on improving patient communication and caregiving skills. The training took place on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. It was held at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) North Campus Student Centre.
The workshop was organized by the Centre for Communication Education Research and Professional Development (CCERPD). It is part of the School of Communication and Media Studies at UEW. The theme was “Care beyond treatment: mastering patient communication skills.” The event aimed to discuss the critical role of communication in healthcare. It focused on care beyond diagnosis and treatment.
The training sought to equip participants with practical tools. These tools will improve patient-provider relationships. They will also strengthen empathy. The goal is to enhance the overall quality of care. Effective communication can directly influence patient outcomes. Fifty participants attended from twenty local healthcare facilities. This shows strong local interest in improving health communication.
Key sessions included “The Art of Listening in Caregiving.” Another session was “Emotional Intelligence among Patients and Health Providers.” These topics address common communication challenges in healthcare. They encourage more compassionate, patient-centred service delivery. Organisers stressed that listening and understanding patient emotions are essential. This is especially true in environments where trust and clarity matter. Communication shapes treatment experiences for patients.
Presentations came from UEW experts. Prof Albert A. Wornyo spoke. He is Dean of the School of Communication and Media Studies. Prof Patricia Mawusi Amos also presented. She is Acting Dean of the Faculty of Applied Behavioral Sciences in Education. Naa Korkor Watson-Nortey lectured. She heads the Department of Communication Instruction. Their talks highlighted the link between communication studies and healthcare practice.
Health professionals need stronger interpersonal skills. They also need better emotional intelligence. This is crucial for holistic patient care. Participants found the insights practical. They described the training as timely and relevant. Many saw how communication influences patient trust. They also noted its effect on treatment outcomes. Attendees requested more such professional development. This would support continuous learning in the health sector.
CCERPD aims to apply communication education to many professions. Healthcare is one key sector. Patient satisfaction and recovery depend on communication. It is as important as treatment itself. The workshop moved healthcare conversations beyond medical procedures. It emphasized empathy, listening, and emotional awareness.