When parents voice concern, clinicians must listen. NSW Health is rolling out a new tool: at regular intervals—vital sign checks, ward rounds, medical reviews—healthcare workers will ask: “Are you worried they’re getting worse?” Evidence from Monash Health shows caregiver concern often signals critical deterioration earlier than clinical signs. If you’re interested in patient-centred communication and safety frameworks, this tool’s rollout is a must-see development. Read more in my latest post.

Respect and compassion in healthcare are back in the headlines — and conversational technologies are on the rise. In our August update: new research reads, upcoming events, and a special coaching prize at the IMG Conference.

Effective communication in healthcare isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s how respect is put into action. Respect for patients, carers, families, and colleagues means investing in reflective, values-driven communication. It’s time to stop just talking about communication and start prioritising it in policy, funding, teaching, and practice.

How do politicians navigate speaking rights in Parliament?
This post breaks down a moment when an MP stood before the Speaker called on him, unpacking how turn-taking rules, accountability, and institutional norms shape interactions on the floor.

This month the How Humans Talk podcast episode how doctors talk was released plus I share some other brief updates!

The craft of communication.

Communication skills are core competencies. Being an effective communicator requires knowledge about communication, as well as reflection and analysis skills.