SMART Objective 1: Improve Patient Communication Skills.

Specific: I will become better at communicating with patients through practicing therapeutic communication strategies, including listening, questioning and emotional support, in my clinical practice.

Measurable: I will practice at least two therapeutic communication strategies per patient encounter during my clinical rotations and would like to get feedback from my clinical instructor after each encounter.

Achievable: I’ll apply these skills to each patient encounter and review communication during clinical debriefs with my mentor.

Relevant: Communication is critical to providing high-quality patient care, allowing patients to be heard and understood, and boosting patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Time Bound: By the end of my clinical placement, I will have practiced and received feedback on my communication skills with at least 5 patients.