Why do organisations choose SAGE & THYME training?
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.
Effective communication skills are key when speaking to patients, colleagues and others.
Many staff want to help people when they are worried and upset, but they don't always know what to say.
SAGE & THYME provides a structure to guide them into and out of the conversation, whilst providing person-focussed support.
People who have been taught how to use the SAGE & THYME structure in a conversation and found it to be helpful, tell others about it.
SAGE & THYME training has been delivered in organisations outside of Manchester since 2010 - it continues today as the training works!
SAGE & THYME training has been recognised by others such as:
- Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures
- The Care Quality Commission
- Macmillan Cancer Support (How we can support and empower NHS staff to deliver a good experience of care to patients)
- Royal College of GPs and Marie Curie Daffodil standards (support for non-clinical staff)
- Skills for Health (communication resource hub).
It is consistent with their values, strategy and policies (in communication and care).
Organisations use training strategies to mitigate against the risk of complaints and litigation.
An evidence-based communication skills programme delivered sustainably and consistently is regarded favourably by quality inspectors (CQC).
New starters, preceptors and internationally recruited staff require training in what the organisation expects of them.
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
"Found it [SAGE & THYME training] compliments other communication training: the structure of getting into and then out of conversations very helpful, and contributes to greater understanding of patient needs and their holistic care in many encounters I find, not just when distressed or concerned."
Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust
Glasgow City Council
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Macmillan Cancer Support
NHS Forth Valley
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Oxford Centre for Education and Research in Palliative Care: Sobell House
Princess Alice Hospice
Sue Ryder
The Rowans Hospice
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
University College London Hospitals Foundation Trust
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
University of Manchester
"All my colleagues would benefit from the knowledge gained and this would improve our understanding of patients’ needs.”
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