Purpose of this Resource

There is a lack of foundational interprofessional resources in the area of client-patient-provider communication. The resources that exist are specific to disciplines, especially nursing.  This new resource will incorporate foundational material with an opportunity to incorporate measurable communication behaviours. Foundational content critical for students to understand include the six key areas identified in the Global Interprofessional Therapeutic Communication Scale^© (GITCS^©): Setting the stage, Building trust, Active communication, Communication skills, Client-Patient-centered care, and Potential barriers.

Barriers due to differences in language and culture, access, technology and distrust can create health inequities and disparities. The importance of developing meaningful and trustworthy relationships with clients relies on appropriate communication that addresses the client and family needs. Through this open education resource including a virtual simulation game, students learn about barriers which can impact communication and ways to develop authentic, empowering, therapeutic communication.

The Global Interprofessional Therapeutic Communication Scale^© (GITCS^©) is a 28-item scale that was designed by a team of interprofessional experts for both formative and summative assessment of client-provider communication. Due to the lack of evaluation tools specific to nontechnical skills, such as communication, this scale has been developed to provide a way for health and social care professional students to further their skills in a comfortable and safe environment. With the active learning opportunities included in this chapter, the GITCS^© will provide a foundation for students to evaluate interactions, test their learning, and engage in a virtual game to improve their communication skills.