VUSN: Foundational Communication: Guiding People Through Health-Related Behavior Change

This microcredential introduces a powerful, evidence-based approach to communication grounded in trust, curiosity, and partnership. You’ll learn how to build collaborative relationships, apply core skills from Motivational Interviewing, and engage patients in conversations that support change. Whether you're working in behavioral health, primary care, or community outreach, these skills help create more meaningful, effective interactions.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Define the differences in a directive and prescriptive approach vs. a collaborative, patient-empowered approach to care
2. List some of the key skills that support a patient-first approach
3. Understand the basic characteristics of growth-fostering relationships and how they impact your ability to provide effective support
4. Describe the research on relationship variables and psychotherapy outcomes
5. Characterize the evidence-supported relationship factors that create a strong relationship

Accrediting Body: ANCC
Credit Name: ANCC
Credit Units: 4 Contact Hour(s)