ABSTRACT
Recent descriptions of the pandemic's effect in medical offices and hospitals depict unprecedented scenarios. The impact of COVID-19 on individuals sick enough to seek professional healthcare highlights the importance of communication skills. We propose an educational framework for pre-service and in-service healthcare professionals to improve communication skills during this crisis. Clinicians need to be mindful that the perception of the seriousness of the consequences of treatment vary greatly between individual patients and families. The four-quadrant scheme we offer is a way to help providers prepare to speak effectively about medical choices related to COVID. While most situations demand more than one type of communication competency, the focus here is on what might be advisable as the primary or "lead” skill. One of the most important elements in managing COVID-19 is to empower patients with appropriate information and emotional support. Additionally, we hope this model will inspire health professions faculty to think in new ways about teaching and coaching options in the practice-based learning of communication skills. © 2023 Helen Meldrum & Mary Hardy.