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The Academy Presents: 

Behavioral Science Unconference banner
Navigating Challenging Patient Encounters: Communication, Behavior Change & Interdisciplinary Care

A practical, evidence-informed virtual program designed to help O&P professionals, students, and residents strengthen communication, improve patient engagement, and navigate complex clinical interactions with greater confidence.

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Program Overview

This live virtual program is designed for orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) professionals, along with students and residents seeking to strengthen their communication skills, improve patient adherence, and navigate complex clinical interactions with confidence.

Through a blend of expert-led presentations and interactive case discussions, participants will explore practical, evidence-informed strategies to enhance patient engagement and support meaningful health behavior change.

From managing difficult conversations to understanding the role of trauma and motivation in patient care, this program emphasizes real-world application. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to improve outcomes across a variety of clinical scenarios, including interdisciplinary settings and chronic disease management.

What You’ll Learn:

Identify factors that contribute to challenging patient encounters, including barriers to adherence and behavior change.

Apply communication strategies that support respectful, effective, and patient-centered interactions.

Recognize the impact of trauma and emotional factors on patient engagement and clinical outcomes.

Utilize emotional intelligence (EQ) skills to navigate difficult conversations and build trust.

Differentiate between patient education and motivation, and apply techniques to address ambivalence.

Incorporate adult learning principles into patient education to improve understanding and retention.

Describe the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care, including scope of practice considerations.

Apply learned concepts through case-based discussions to improve clinical decision-making.