SAGE & THYME Communication Skills

Short Course

CPD hours available

3 hours

Course Outline

The SAGE & THYME Foundation Level face-to-face workshop teaches the communication skills needed to notice distress, listen carefully and respond helpfully, using a structured approach (SAGE & THYME). The skills taught can be used by everyone (staff, students, volunteers and others) – at any level and in any area and organisation (including at home) when speaking to patients, carers, relatives, clients, customers, colleagues, friends, family, children and indeed anyone who has emotional concerns.

Sage and Thyme is a mnemonic, which is a pattern of letters that assist in remembering something.

Delivery Method:

In Person

Availability:

For Velindre Cancer Service staff only

CPD

3 hours

Do you work at the Velindre Cancer Service?

The SAGE & THYME course is currently only available to staff employed within the Velindre Cancer Service. The course is fully funded for staff.

If you are not Velindre Cancer Service staff, we have other training options coming soon:

PGCert Module 2 – Advanced Communications and Psychological Skills (Accredited Course)

Advanced Communications (Short Course)

What does SAGE & THYME stand for?

The structure shapes the questions and interactions. It guides the conversation with the worried person:

Notice when people are worried or upset
Respond in a controlled and organised way
Use the structure to guide the conversation from their worries to their support
Be supportive without having to fix their problems.
THEIR CONCERNS, THEIR SUPPORT, THEIR PLANS

When you can use SAGE & THYME

The skills taught in the SAGE & THYME workshop are universally applicable and helpful. For this reason, we refer to them as ‘foundation level’ skills. The SAGE & THYME structure can be used in many conversation involving emotions, worries or upset.

The SAGE & THYME structure can be used in situations such as:

Complex situations when the SAGE & THYME structure does not apply:

Why can using the SAGE & THYME structure in a conversation help staff?

When a number of staff in a lung cancer directorate were asked how they feel when they are in contact with a patient/relative who gets upset, they said they felt:

Without guidance and training, staff tend to give too much advice too quickly and ignore the emotions of patients because they are unsure how to respond to emotional distress. After staff have been trained in just three hours, they say that:

Instead of avoiding such conversations, they feel confident in speaking to people with worries.
Instead of trying to fix problems, they have learned to hold back on advice and let the person think and speak.
Instead of feeling helpless, they feel satisfied and in control of these conversations (improves their wellbeing).
As well as being kind and empathic, they can use evidence-based listening skills.
As well as being caring and well-meaning, they can empower people to find their own solutions to their worries.

Each element of the SAGE & THYME structure is based on published research on communication skills. For example, we can’t guess what other people are thinking – we have to ask them. We should also listen to all their concerns and hold back on our own ideas on what might help. The evidence is discussed in the SAGE & THYME workshop.

SAGE & THYME training increases knowledge of helpful communication skills and also affects how people behave when speaking to a patient.

People say that they use the skills taught in practice and that they make a difference both to the worried person they are speaking to and also themselves.

There have been a number of peer-reviewed papers published by the SAGE & THYME Team (in collaboration with the Maguire Communication Skills Unit), the University of Manchester and others.

When organisations teach their staff, students and volunteers the SAGE & THYME workshop, they find that:

It is useful for newly qualified staff and students
It can be used to support colleagues as a part of the staff well-being programme
It is helpful for volunteers
It supports the organisational values
It helps with complying with ‘duty of candour’
It provides evidence of a proactive approach to complaints for CQC
It supports staff well-being as feel more in control and satisfied with conversations
It follows evidence-based practice
An image showcasing a learning environment hosted by the Academy
Background image of the Velindre Cancer Service entrance

Audience

This course is suitable for nurses, radiographers, managers, ward clerks, porters, students, allied health professionals, doctors, secretaries, receptionists, researchers and volunteers. The SAGE & THYME Foundation Level workshop is suitable for anyone, at any level, whether they are clinical or not, and not just those who deal with patients.

The training has also been attended by Local authority staff, teachers, chaplains, ambulance staff, social care workers, mental health workers, school children and police officers.

Many organisations currently teach SAGE & THYME to their staff – including the Velindre Cancer Service where it forms part of staff induction.

Other organisations teach whole directorates (e.g. lung cancer or renal staff – from administrators to doctors) because they see the universal importance of effective communication skills.

Delivery Format

The SAGE & THYME foundation level workshop is taught up to 30 participants in 3 hours by three trained SAGE & THYME facilitators, using group work, a presentation and conversation rehearsals. This course is delivered in person.

Key Topics Covered in the Course

Recognising psychological distress
Benefits of effective communication
Evidence behind effective communication skills
Listening and responding skills
Using the SAGE & THYME structure in a conversation
Supporting the person without having to solve their concerns
When SAGE & THYME is not the right tool to use

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“Patient experience talk was very powerful and I took the most from this interaction.”
Foundations in Cancer Care
“I have a good understanding now how to take control of the conversation using the Sage and Thyme method. There is now a structure to try and follow which can help with work and everyday life.”
SAGE and THYME Communication Skills
“Great course. I have learnt so much even though I have worked for 10 years at VCC. I feel enlightened and feel like I have greatly benefited from attending.”
Foundations in Cancer Care
“As a student nurse I feel that I have benefited from some additional learning experiences that Uni may not have covered during my degree.”
Foundations in Cancer Care
“I attended this course remotely and I was so impressed with the delivery. I felt that I was included and involved as much as if I had attended in person.”
Foundations in Cancer Care
“I found it really informative and a good mixture of learning and participation. Loved the interactive elements in the afternoon.”
Foundations in Acute Oncology