Workshop “Effective Medical Communication: Empathy, Boundaries, and Legal Responsibility”

On March 25, 2026, a workshop on empathy, professional boundaries, and the legal responsibilities of healthcare professionals was held. The event emphasized the importance of effective communication as a key component of the quality and safety of medical care, in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine and current legislation.

The workshop was conducted live in real time at I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, which is an official provider of continuing professional development for healthcare professionals and specialists.

Official event page: https://qa.tdmu.edu.ua/osvita

This educational event brought together medical educators, physicians of all specialties, and healthcare professionals, becoming an important step in implementing Order No. 650 of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. The event was registered at the Ukrainian Institute of Scientific and Technical Expertise and Information (registration certificate No. 262 dated February 12).

The theoretical part included lectures on modern communication models, analysis of patient interaction algorithms, and a review of legal and regulatory aspects. The practical part involved working with clinical scenarios, simulating complex situations, and developing communication skills through discussions and peer learning.

A recording of the event is available at: https://www.youtube.com/live/D9K8MlOK61c

The workshop was prepared by the Center for Excellence team in collaboration with legal expert Nadiia Humenna, Associate Professor of the Department of Higher Education Pedagogy and Social Sciences.

The Center for Teaching and Professional Excellence team included:

Sofiia Husak, Associate Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine No. 2, Head of the Center for Excellence, facilitator of peer groups for educators, and co-author of the manual “Humanity and Empathy in Healthcare.”

Nataliia Haliash, Associate Professor of the Department of Pediatrics No. 2, developer and coordinator of the course “Professional Communication of a Physician,” co-author of the manuals “Communication Skills in Medicine” and “Humanity and Empathy in Healthcare: A Guide for Educators,” facilitator of peer groups, graduate of the “School of Conscious Communication,” and member of International Association of Medical Science Educators.

Iryna Borovyk, Associate Professor of the Department of Therapy and Family Medicine, co-author of the manuals “Humanity and Empathy in Healthcare” and “General Practice–Family Medicine,” coordinator of the course “Professional Communication of a Physician,” graduate of the “School of Conscious Communication,” and member of the European Academy of Teachers in General Practice.

Oksana Sydorenko, Associate Professor of the Department of Emergency Medicine, facilitator of peer groups for educators, graduate of the “School of Conscious Communication,” member of the International Association of Medical Science Educators and the Society for Simulation in Europe, and coordinator of international projects.

All participants of the event gained practical and theoretical knowledge, enabling them to:
• apply empathetic strategies in communication with patients;
• professionally deliver bad news, taking into account ethical and psychological aspects;
• maintain professional boundaries for safe and effective interaction;
• use motivational interviewing techniques to support patient behavior change;
• assess and minimize legal risks in medical communication.

The workshop contributed to the development of a competent, ethical, and safe approach to patient communication, directly improving the quality of healthcare delivery.