Lecture Skills4Comfort, training program for healthcare professionals

On November 17th, Eveline Terwindt, Carla Frankenhuis and Linda Kersten presented with great dedication to our IPS researchers at Leiden University on the scientific foundation and content of their accredited training program for healthcare professionals, Skills4Comfort. This training program is a great example of an evidence-based translation of research findings, on among other things placebo and nocebo effects, to very clinically applicable communication strategies. With this training, healthcare professionals can learn to enhance the placebo effect and reduce anxiety and pain during routine medical procedures, such as intravenous insertions or vaccinations.

The lecture provided a clear and structured overview of how communication, expectation, and focused attention can meaningfully influence patient comfort. The speakers discussed the importance of improving patient contact through communication, non-verbal skills, and suggestive language. Also the principles of medical hypnosis and distraction were addressed to support relaxation and reduce anxiety.

Various practical strategies were discussed, including:

• fostering positive expectations (reframing),
• offering choices to enhance a sense of control,
• linking interventions to desired outcomes through structured phrasing, and
• empowering the patient.

The session concluded with an exploration of hypnosis as a focused shift of attention toward the inner experience, making patients more open to helpful suggestions.

Overall, the presentation offered an insightful blend of scientific evidence and directly applicable communication skills, emphasizing the important role healthcare professionals can play in enhancing patient comfort through intentional, supportive interaction.