Newsletter | February 2026
It’s hard to believe we’re almost two months into 2026. At Bedside Manners, we’ve started the year with another run of our 10-week online Conversation Analysis (CA) course. This course offers insight into how to do CA, with personalised feedback on your project plans and course activities. We’re planning to run this again later in 2026. We’re also planning a self-paced introduction to CA for those wanting to learn more without the specifics of using the methodology.
Recommendation of the month
There are two recommendations for this month. The first is a systematic review all about behaviour change in general practice, which demonstrates that guidance for communication about behaviour change is rarely supported by evidence relating to interactional practice.
The second is a paper from a former Macquarie University medical student, Terence Wong, who, along with Samuel Gray, Rhiannon Parker, Desmond Bokor, Sumit Raniga, and John Cartmill, and me, provide a detailed single case analysis of a surgeon doing person centred care in his approach to discussing diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Online modules + CPD
Last year we launched three self-paced modules: The Science of Conversation, Communication in Healthcare Consultations, and Reflection for Improving Communication. These modules have been developed using an evidence base from analyses of real conversations. They are currently accredited by ACRRM and AMA CPDHome. They are available as a bundle at a reduced price for those working in healthcare. We are planning more modules for later in 2026. Please get in touch if you have a specific request.
In person workshops
We are kicking off the new year with some bespoke workshops at the GOODEM Evidence Review in Emergency Medicine. These workshops include analyses of recordings of real conversations from an Emergency Department, offering a truly specialised learning experience. If you’re interested in Bedside Manners developing such a workshop, get in touch today! We’re taking bookings from July 2026. You can find a summary of our offerings here.
Coaching
We’ve had a great time coaching people who want personalised feedback on their communication skills. We’re considering different ways of expanding our offerings in this space, such as voice coaching to help people manage using their voices all day long. Get in touch to find out more.
Research
We continue to offer research services, particularly in the specialised methodology of Conversation Analysis. Please reach out if you are interested in discussing possibilities.