CHLEAR Approach to Communication Overview
The CHLEAR Approach to Communication and Connection is a practical framework for healthcare professionals who want to strengthen client communication, build trust, and improve engagement across diverse populations. Cultural Humility, Health Literacy, Education, Advocacy, and Resources—five interconnected elements that support meaningful communication and stronger connections between healthcare professionals, clients, and the services they need.
The course emphasizes respectful, culturally responsive communication that recognizes each client’s individual needs, experiences, values, and perspectives. Participants learn strategies to communicate health information clearly, strengthen patient understanding, and support patients in making informed decisions and adopting healthier behaviors.
CHLEAR also addresses the healthcare professional’s responsibility to go beyond simply providing information. Effective communication includes ensuring that patients understand what they have been told, know what actions to take, and can connect with appropriate services, resources, and support when needed. By identifying barriers, closing communication and care gaps, and connecting patients with relevant resources, healthcare professionals can help improve engagement, continuity of care, health behaviors, and outcomes.
The CHLEAR approach moves communication from information delivery to meaningful connection, helping healthcare professionals communicate with greater clarity, advocacy, and purpose while empowering patients to better understand, navigate, and participate in their health and care.
What you will gain...
CHLEAR Approach to Communication and Connection equips healthcare professionals with practical strategies to communicate respectfully and clearly across diverse patient populations. Participants learn to apply Cultural Humility, Health Literacy, Education, Advocacy, and Resources to strengthen trust, improve patient understanding and engagement, support healthier behaviors, and connect patients with services that can address needs and close care gaps. Upon completion, participants will understand:
- Cultural humility skills — Strengthen awareness and respect for patients’ diverse experiences, perspectives, values, and needs.
- Clear communication strategies — Learn to communicate health information in ways that are understandable, respectful, and meaningful to patients.
- Health literacy techniques — Improve the ability to assess and address barriers to patient understanding and participation in care.
- Patient advocacy skills — Recognize opportunities to support patient needs, preferences, access, and informed decision-making.
- Resource connection strategies — Identify when patients may benefit from additional services, resources, referrals, or community support.
- Improved communication-to-outcome connection — Understand how effective communication can contribute to greater trust, engagement, and outcomes.
CHLEAR Approach to Communication and Connection is designed to improve how health information is communicated, understood, and translated into meaningful action. It is especially valuable for those working with diverse populations, addressing health literacy barriers, or helping clients navigate services and resources. Intended participants include:
- Healthcare professionals who communicate directly with patients and families.
- Nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, and allied health professionals seeking to strengthen patient-centered communication.
- Patient educators and health educators who translate complex health information into understandable, actionable guidance.
- Professionals serving culturally and linguistically diverse populations who want to communicate with greater cultural humility and respect.
- Professionals seeking to improve health behaviors and outcomes by helping patients understand information and take appropriate action.
- Organizations committed to patient-centered care and stronger connections between patients, healthcare teams, and community resources.
- Self‑paced structure that allows participants to learn on their schedule
- Full course access through the online Learning Management System after registration and payment
- Video‑based presentations that deliver clear, practical instruction
- Engaging activities that reinforce learning and support skill development
- Mobile‑friendly platform for flexible access across devices