This course is designed for practicing and aspiring allied health professionals, including medical laboratory technologists, medical laboratory assistants, diagnostic imaging technologists, and other healthcare workers who interact directly with patients. It is particularly relevant for those seeking to strengthen their interpersonal and professional competencies in clinical settings. No prior background in psychology or sociology is required,  the course is accessible to learners at all stages of their healthcare career.

Effective communication strategies, conflict resolution, professionalism and ethics, stress management, temperament, aging and human development, altered body image, death, dying and grief, abuse and harassment and legal aspects of healthcare are presented in the context of case studies and problem-solving activities.

Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

• Identify and counteract the psychological and sociological implications of stress
• Identify the causes, manifestations, and strategies for coping and preventing burnout
• Understand the impact of non-verbal communication relating to healthcare practice
• Implement effective conflict management strategies
• Understand Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs and the characteristics of Normal Human Development
• Identify the role of the healthcare provider in relation to patients with altered body image
• Understand clinical and cultural attitudes toward death
• Recognize the medical management of the dying patient
• Identify abuse and harassment in the health care setting
• Understand the law as it pertains to allied health professionals
• Understand the importance of, and what constitutes, competent documentation of patient records
• Recognize the actions that must be taken when errors occur and how to prevent errors
• Apply the steps in ethical decision-making