# Communicating with Presence Review (2026): 8.5/10 · EDX · Paid

> Independent review of Communicating with Presence Course on EDX. Rated 8.5/10 by our editorial team. Pros, cons, price, and top alternatives. Certificate ava…

Communicating with Presence Course

![Communicating with Presence Course](/api/media/file/hero/communicating-with-presence-course.webp?width=800)

# Communicating with Presence Course — Review (8.5/10)

This concise course introduces healthcare professionals to the Stanford Presence 5 model, emphasizing empathetic communication and patient-centered care. It offers practical, evidence-based strategies...

Explore This Course

Communicating with Presence Course is a 1 weeks online beginner-level course on EDX by Stanford University that covers health science. This concise course introduces healthcare professionals to the Stanford Presence 5 model, emphasizing empathetic communication and patient-centered care. It offers practical, evidence-based strategies to improve clinical interactions. While brief, the content is impactful for clinicians seeking to deepen patient relationships. Some may wish for more interactive elements or extended case studies. We rate it 8.5/10.

## Prerequisites

No prior experience required. This course is designed for complete beginners in health science.

## Pros

- Evidence-based framework from Stanford University

- Focus on humanism improves patient outcomes

- Practical strategies for immediate clinical use

- CME/CE accredited for continuing education

## Cons

- Very short duration limits depth

- Limited interactivity or peer engagement

- No graded assessments or feedback

## Communicating with Presence Course Review

Platform: EDX

Instructor: Stanford University

Updated Apr 25, 2026·Editorial Standards·How We Rate

## What will you learn in Communicating with Presence course

- Summarize strategies to “Prepare with Intention” including reviewing patient history and resetting before the visit.

- Discuss methods to “Listen Intently and Completely” including being thoughtful with body position and allowing your patient to finish their statements.

- Identify strategies to “Agree on What Matters Most” including making an agenda based on patient priorities and asking open ended questions.

- Engage using positive language for goals and asking about patient beliefs and attitudes by "Connect to the Patient's Story".

- Incorporate strategies to “Explore Emotional Cues” including validating patient emotions.

### Program Overview

### Module 1: Foundations of the Stanford Presence 5 Model

Duration estimate: 2 days

- Introduction to humanism in medicine

- Overview of the Presence 5 framework

- Importance of clinician-patient connection

### Module 2: Core Communication Skills

Duration: 2 days

- Preparing with intention and mental reset techniques

- Active listening and nonverbal communication

- Building trust through presence

### Module 3: Applying the Presence 5 Framework

Duration: 3 days

- Setting agendas around patient priorities

- Using open-ended questions effectively

- Validating emotions and exploring cues

### Module 4: Integration and Practice

Duration: 1 day

- Case-based application of Presence 5

- Reflective practice exercises

- Strategies for long-term implementation

### Get certificate

#### Job Outlook

- Improved patient satisfaction scores

- Higher clinician well-being and reduced burnout

- Stronger interdisciplinary collaboration

## Editorial Take

The Communicating with Presence course, offered by Stanford University through edX, delivers a focused, high-impact curriculum for healthcare professionals aiming to strengthen patient relationships through intentional communication. Grounded in the evidence-based Presence 5 model, it distills key principles of humanism in medicine into a concise, accessible format. While brief, the course offers immediately applicable strategies for clinicians across specialties.

### Standout Strengths

- Framework Authority: Developed by Stanford faculty, the Presence 5 model is rooted in rigorous research and clinical practice. Its structured approach ensures consistency and credibility across diverse healthcare settings.

- Immediate Applicability: Each module provides actionable techniques that clinicians can implement the same day. From preparing with intention to exploring emotional cues, the skills are practical and relevant.

- Patient-Centered Focus: The course emphasizes aligning care with patient priorities, fostering shared decision-making. This builds trust and improves adherence to treatment plans.

- Emotional Intelligence Integration: Teaching clinicians to recognize and validate emotions enhances empathy. This reduces patient anxiety and strengthens therapeutic alliances.

- Continuing Education Value: As a CME/CE-accredited course, it supports professional development requirements. The certificate holds weight in medical credentialing contexts.

- Concise and Focused Design: In just one week, the course delivers essential communication skills without overwhelming learners. Ideal for time-constrained healthcare providers.

### Honest Limitations

- Limited Interactivity: The format lacks live discussions, peer feedback, or role-play exercises. These would enhance skill retention and real-world application.

- No Assessment or Coaching: Without evaluations or personalized feedback, learners must self-assess their progress. This reduces accountability and skill refinement.

- Narrow Scope: While excellent for communication, the course doesn't address systemic barriers to presence, such as EHR burden or time constraints in clinical workflows.

### How to Get the Most Out of It

- Study cadence: Complete one module every two days to allow reflection and practice. Spacing improves retention and real-world integration of skills.

- Parallel project: Apply each Presence 5 element during actual patient visits. Track changes in patient feedback and your own sense of connection.

- Note-taking: Journal reflections after each module. Capture insights, challenges, and successes in applying techniques with real patients.

- Community: Discuss concepts with colleagues or supervisors. Peer dialogue deepens understanding and encourages accountability.

- Practice: Rehearse listening intently and exploring emotional cues in low-stakes settings first. Build confidence before using in complex cases.

- Consistency: Commit to using at least one Presence 5 strategy per day. Regular practice turns theory into habit.

### Supplementary Resources

- Book: "The Power of Meaning" by Emily Esfahani Smith complements the course by exploring human connection and purpose in care settings.

- Tool: Use the Stanford Presence 5 self-assessment checklist to evaluate and refine your clinical interactions over time.

- Follow-up: Enroll in advanced communication or mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) courses to deepen presence and empathy.

- Reference: Review the original JAMA Network articles on the Presence 5 model for deeper academic context and validation.

### Common Pitfalls

- Pitfall: Skipping preparation steps like reviewing patient history or mental reset. This undermines presence and reduces connection quality during visits.

- Pitfall: Interrupting patients despite training. Old habits can persist without deliberate practice and feedback mechanisms.

- Pitfall: Focusing only on clinical outcomes, not emotional cues. Missing emotional signals limits holistic patient care and trust-building.

### Time & Money ROI

- Time: One week is a minimal time investment for potentially transformative communication improvements. Ideal for busy clinicians.

- Cost-to-value: While paid, the course offers high value through CME credit and improved patient outcomes. Justifies cost for motivated learners.

- Certificate: The verified certificate supports professional development and may fulfill continuing education requirements in many institutions.

- Alternative: Free communication modules exist, but few offer Stanford’s rigor or structured framework. This course stands out in quality and authority.

### Editorial Verdict

The Communicating with Presence course is a well-crafted, research-backed introduction to empathetic, patient-centered communication in clinical practice. Its foundation in the Stanford Presence 5 model provides a reliable, teachable framework that addresses a critical gap in modern healthcare: the erosion of human connection. By focusing on intentional preparation, active listening, agenda alignment, storytelling, and emotional validation, the course equips clinicians with tools to foster deeper trust and improve patient outcomes. The concise format respects clinicians’ limited time while delivering meaningful, evidence-based strategies.

However, the brevity that makes the course accessible also limits its depth. Learners should view this as a foundational course rather than a comprehensive training. The absence of interactive components or personalized feedback means motivation and self-direction are essential for success. Despite these limitations, the course’s strengths—prestigious backing, practical relevance, and CME accreditation—make it a valuable offering. We recommend it highly for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers committed to restoring humanism in medicine, especially those early in their communication skills journey. For maximum impact, pair it with deliberate practice and peer discussion.

## How Communicating with Presence Course Compares

| Course | Platform | Rating | Level | Duration |

| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |

| Communicating with Presence Course | EDX | 8.5/10 | Beginner | 1 weeks |

| Writing in the Sciences Course | Coursera | 9.9/10 | N/A | N/A |

| Cancer Biology Specialization Course | Coursera | 9.9/10 | N/A | N/A |

| Medical Neuroscience Course | Coursera | 9.9/10 | N/A | N/A |

## Who Should Take Communicating with Presence Course?

This course is best suited for learners with no prior experience in health science. It is designed for career changers, fresh graduates, and self-taught learners looking for a structured introduction. The course is offered by Stanford University on EDX, combining institutional credibility with the flexibility of online learning. Upon completion, you will receive a verified certificate that you can add to your LinkedIn profile and resume, signaling your verified skills to potential employers.

If you are exploring adjacent fields, you might also consider courses in Agile & Scrum Courses, AI Courses, Arts and Humanities Courses, which complement the skills covered in this course.

### Career Outcomes

- Apply health science skills to real-world projects and job responsibilities

- Qualify for entry-level positions in health science and related fields

- Build a portfolio of skills to present to potential employers

- Add a verified certificate credential to your LinkedIn and resume

- Continue learning with advanced courses and specializations in the field

## More Health Science Courses on EDX

Explore other highly rated courses in health science available on EDX to expand your learning path:

- HarvardX: Human Anatomy: Musculoskeletal Cases course 9.7/10

- HarvardX: PredictionX: Omens, Oracles & Prophecies course 9.7/10

- MicroBachelors® Program in Introduction to Neuroscience course 9.7/10

- HarvardX: Cell Biology: Mitochondria course 9.7/10

- HarvardX: Bioethics: The Law, Medicine, and Ethics of Reproductive Technologies and Genetics course 9.7/10

- HarvardX: Improving Global Health: Focusing on Quality and Safety course 9.7/10

- HarvardX: The Health Effects of Climate Change course 9.7/10

- HarvardX: Fundamentals of Neuroscience, Part 2: Neurons and Networks course 9.7/10

- Abnormal Psychology Course 8.5/10

- Urban Food Systems Course 8.5/10

## Top Alternatives on Other Platforms

Looking for a different teaching style or approach? These top-rated health science courses from other platforms cover similar ground:

- Writing in the Sciences Course 9.9/10 Coursera

- Cancer Biology Specialization Course 9.9/10 Coursera

- Medical Neuroscience Course 9.9/10 Coursera

- Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions Course 9.9/10 Coursera

- Introduction to Psychology Course 9.9/10 Coursera

- Primeros Auxilios Psicológicos (PAP) Course 9.9/10 Coursera

- Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life Course 9.9/10 Coursera

- Poi Dancing: The Beginner Series Course 9.9/10 Udemy

- Craniosacral Therapy Certificate Course (4 CE) 9.8/10 Udemy

- Real Pilates 7 Day Core Strength & Stamina Transformation Course 9.8/10 Udemy

## More Courses from Stanford University

Stanford University offers a range of courses across multiple disciplines. If you enjoy their teaching approach, consider these additional offerings:

- Graph Search, Shortest Paths, and Data Structures Course 9.0/10

- Greedy Algorithms, Minimum Spanning Trees, and Dynamic Programming Course 9.0/10

- Essentials of Palliative Care Course 8.7/10

- Shortest Paths Revisited, NP-Complete Problems and What To Do About Them 8.7/10

- Evaluations of AI Applications in Healthcare Course 8.7/10

- Fundamentals of Machine Learning for Healthcare Course 8.7/10

- Understanding Einstein: The Special Theory of Relativity Course 8.7/10

- Rebuilding Our Relationship with Food Course 8.7/10

View all courses from Stanford University →

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## User Reviews

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## FAQs

What are the prerequisites for Communicating with Presence Course?

No prior experience is required. Communicating with Presence Course is designed for complete beginners who want to build a solid foundation in Health Science. It starts from the fundamentals and gradually introduces more advanced concepts, making it accessible for career changers, students, and self-taught learners.

Does Communicating with Presence Course offer a certificate upon completion?

Yes, upon successful completion you receive a verified certificate from Stanford University. This credential can be added to your LinkedIn profile and resume, demonstrating verified skills to employers. In competitive job markets, having a recognized certificate in Health Science can help differentiate your application and signal your commitment to professional development.

How long does it take to complete Communicating with Presence Course?

The course takes approximately 1 weeks to complete. It is offered as a paid course on EDX, which means you can learn at your own pace and fit it around your schedule. The content is delivered in English and includes a mix of instructional material, practical exercises, and assessments to reinforce your understanding. Most learners find that dedicating a few hours per week allows them to complete the course comfortably.

What are the main strengths and limitations of Communicating with Presence Course?

Communicating with Presence Course is rated 8.5/10 on our platform. Key strengths include: evidence-based framework from stanford university; focus on humanism improves patient outcomes; practical strategies for immediate clinical use. Some limitations to consider: very short duration limits depth; limited interactivity or peer engagement. Overall, it provides a strong learning experience for anyone looking to build skills in Health Science.

How will Communicating with Presence Course help my career?

Completing Communicating with Presence Course equips you with practical Health Science skills that employers actively seek. The course is developed by Stanford University, whose name carries weight in the industry. The skills covered are applicable to roles across multiple industries, from technology companies to consulting firms and startups. Whether you are looking to transition into a new role, earn a promotion in your current position, or simply broaden your professional skillset, the knowledge gained from this course provides a tangible competitive advantage in the job market.

Where can I take Communicating with Presence Course and how do I access it?

Communicating with Presence Course is available on EDX, one of the leading online learning platforms. You can access the course material from any device with an internet connection — desktop, tablet, or mobile. The course is paid, giving you the flexibility to learn at a pace that suits your schedule. All you need is to create an account on EDX and enroll in the course to get started.

How does Communicating with Presence Course compare to other Health Science courses?

Communicating with Presence Course is rated 8.5/10 on our platform, placing it among the top-rated health science courses. Its standout strengths — evidence-based framework from stanford university — set it apart from alternatives. What differentiates each course is its teaching approach, depth of coverage, and the credentials of the instructor or institution behind it. We recommend comparing the syllabus, student reviews, and certificate value before deciding.

What language is Communicating with Presence Course taught in?

Communicating with Presence Course is taught in English. Many online courses on EDX also offer auto-generated subtitles or community-contributed translations in other languages, making the content accessible to non-native speakers. The course material is designed to be clear and accessible regardless of your language background, with visual aids and practical demonstrations supplementing the spoken instruction.

Is Communicating with Presence Course kept up to date?

Online courses on EDX are periodically updated by their instructors to reflect industry changes and new best practices. Stanford University has a track record of maintaining their course content to stay relevant. We recommend checking the "last updated" date on the enrollment page. Our own review was last verified recently, and we re-evaluate courses when significant updates are made to ensure our rating remains accurate.

Can I take Communicating with Presence Course as part of a team or organization?

Yes, EDX offers team and enterprise plans that allow organizations to enroll multiple employees in courses like Communicating with Presence Course. Team plans often include progress tracking, dedicated support, and volume discounts. This makes it an effective option for corporate training programs, upskilling initiatives, or academic cohorts looking to build health science capabilities across a group.

What will I be able to do after completing Communicating with Presence Course?

After completing Communicating with Presence Course, you will have practical skills in health science that you can apply to real projects and job responsibilities. You will be prepared to pursue more advanced courses or specializations in the field. Your verified certificate credential can be shared on LinkedIn and added to your resume to demonstrate your verified competence to employers.

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