Better Patient Outcomes Start With Better Conversations
Most clinicians were never trained in how to have conversations that produce real behavior change. This CME-approved activity gives you a structured, evidence-based approach that improves patient engagement, adherence, follow-through, and consult-to-treatment conversion - without adding more time or work to your day.
School of Medicine
6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
Approved by Indiana University School of Medicine, Division of Continuing Medical Education.
4 private 1:1 consults
Unlimited AI practice
6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
Human-reviewed certification
Practice Lab included
You Have the Clinical Expertise But Your Patients Still Don't Follow Through.
Systematic reviews confirm that communication quality directly influences adherence, self-management, and health outcomes - yet effective communication skills remain a persistent gap in clinical practice. The issue isn't your knowledge. It's what you say, what you listen for, and how you guide the conversation. And it's the difference between a consultation that converts and one that doesn't.
Good Advice Doesn't Produce Action
You explain the plan clearly. You provide the rationale. You answer every question. The patient agrees - and then nothing changes. You find yourself repeating the same thing at the next visit, working hard to convince and persuade without much to show for it.
Problem Analysis Creates Insight, Not Movement
Traditional approaches center the conversation on what's wrong - barriers, triggers, root causes. Patients become fluent in describing their problems but rarely define the future they want. Insight grows, but movement doesn't.
The Responsibility Shifts to You
When conversations orbit the problem, clinicians get pulled into the role of expert fixer - carrying the burden of generating solutions, maintaining motivation, and managing follow-through that should belong to the patient.
This Is a Training Gap, Not a Skill Gap
These conversations don't fail because you lack clinical skill. They fail because the conversation is structured around the problem, leaving no clear sense of the future the patient wants, no evidence of their capacity to act, and no signs they're already moving toward it.
"As a nurse and clinical educator, this approach is both practical and immediately usable in real clinical settings. It fits into existing workflows without adding time or complexity. Instead of focusing on what's wrong, it helps patients notice what's already working and take small, realistic steps forward - leading to more efficient and energizing interactions for both patients and clinicians."
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Conversations That Move the Needle
Better patient conversations show up on the metrics that matter most to a practice. Provider-patient communication is the single largest driver of HCAHPS scores - the CMS measure that determines reimbursement, public star ratings, and malpractice exposure. In procedure-based specialty practices, the same conversational shift also moves consult-to-treatment conversion from an industry average of 35% to 65–80% with trained staff.
For a practice running 100 consultations a month, the difference between 35% and 65% conversion - at a modest average procedure value - is six figures in additional annual revenue from the same lead volume.
The bottom line: Consult-to-treatment conversion strengthens - and revenue follows without having to chase down a single new lead.
Higher HCAHPS scores affect:
- CMS reimbursement (Value-Based Purchasing)
- Malpractice exposure
- Public star ratings on Medicare's Care Compare
Patients who leave a conversation having articulated what they want - in their own words, connected to their own lives - come back. And they tell people.
A Different Starting Point for Clinical Conversations
The solution-focused approach doesn't analyze problems. It begins with three questions: What does the patient want to be different? What's already working, even in small ways? And what observable next step would they be taking if things started to improve?
This isn't theoretical. It reflects conclusions from over 365 outcome studies across 33 countries. The approach consistently produces meaningful change in 4–6 sessions, with lower dropout rates and a pooled effect size (g = 1.17) that exceeds most comparable interventions.
Research shows that when people describe their preferred future in concrete, sensory detail - rather than just discussing it abstractly - they experience greater positive affect and reduced anxiety. That's precisely the condition that supports follow-through and sustained behavior change.
Start with the problem
Assess what's wrong. Identify barriers. Explain risks. Offer a plan. Hope the patient follows through.
- Amplifies deficits and gaps in adherence
- Can inadvertently reinforce helplessness
- Positions the clinician as the source of solutions
- Produces understanding - but not necessarily action
Start with what's wanted and working
Clarify the patient's preferred future. Surface what's already contributing to progress. Define observable, near-term next steps.
- Builds on existing competence and capacity
- Strengthens hope, self-efficacy, and agency
- Positions the patient as the agent of their own change
- Produces engagement, ownership, and follow-through
A Structured Method That Works in Any Clinical Encounter
You'll learn a three-part conversational structure and the Dialogic Orientation Quadrant (DOQ) - a real-time mapping tool that helps you track where a conversation is heading and guide it toward progress. Together, they give you a repeatable method for making every patient interaction more efficient and more effective.
What's Wanted
Help patients define their preferred future in concrete, observable terms - what daily life looks like when things are better, and why that matters to them personally.
What's Working
Surface exceptions, strengths, and evidence of progress that already exist - often invisible to the patient until the conversation brings them into focus.
What's Next
Define small, observable, near-term steps - grounded in the patient's own language - that make follow-through a natural extension of the conversation rather than an external demand.
Designed for Healthcare Professionals Who Drive Patient Behavior Change
Every conversation with a patient shapes what happens between visits. This certification is for clinicians and healthcare team members who want those conversations to consistently produce better adherence, stronger engagement, and measurable progress.
Physicians & Advanced Practice Clinicians
- MDs and DOs
- Nurse Practitioners
- Physician Assistants
Nursing & Clinical Support
- Registered Nurses
- Medical Assistants
- Clinical support staff
- Care coordinators & case managers
Practice Leadership
For practice leadership, the impact shows up in conversion rates, retention, and HCAHPS performance - not just clinical outcomes.
- Practice managers
- Clinical directors
- L&D leaders in healthcare
- Quality improvement leads
Everything You Need to Develop and Certify the Skill
Self-Paced Program
Focused lessons, clinical examples, and practical tools that show you how solution-focused conversations work in real clinical settings - so you can apply the approach immediately.
The Dialogic Orientation Quadrant (DOQ)
A practical mapping tool that helps you track patient language in real time, orient your responses, and keep every conversation moving toward the future the patient wants.
Unlimited Practice with SolutionCoach AI™
A 24/7 conversation simulator where you work through real clinical scenarios, get immediate feedback, and build fluency before applying these skills with patients.
Four Private 1:1 Consults
Dedicated time to ask questions, consult on challenging patient cases, and see how the solution-focused approach applies in your specific clinical context.
Certification Based on Demonstrated Skill
A performance-based assessment - including a simulated practice conversation, self-assessment, and expert human review - that shows you can use the solution-focused approach in practice.
1 Month of Practice Lab - FREE
Live, semi-weekly sessions for continued skill development, real-world practice, and expert guidance to enhance your ability to apply the approach in practice.
Digital Certificate + LinkedIn Credential
A verified Accredible certificate and LinkedIn badge documenting your certification in Foundations in Solution-Focused Health Coaching for Healthcare.
6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
CME credit approved through Indiana University School of Medicine.
Enroll Now - $1,495
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A Simple Three-Step Process
Learn the Approach
Short, self-paced lessons teach you the core of the solution-focused approach and the DOQ. You'll see real-world clinical examples and learn how to guide conversations toward what's wanted.
Practice with AI
Apply your learning through SolutionCoach AI™ - a conversation simulator that lets you practice real clinical scenarios 24/7, refine your responses, and build fluency before working with patients.
Demonstrate Your Ability
Conduct a coaching session with SolutionCoach AI™, complete an online self-assessment, and submit a transcript of your session. You'll receive personalized feedback and earn your certification upon meeting the criteria.
What Changes When Teams Adopt This Approach
When clinicians integrate the solution-focused approach into everyday practice, the impact shows up in the metrics that matter most.
- Patients define and act on goals they own
- Adherence to treatment plans improves
- Consult-to-treatment conversion strengthens (35% → 65–80% with trained staff)
- Drop-offs, cancellations, and friction decrease
- Patient experience scores improve (communication is the single largest HCAHPS driver)
- Staff burnout decreases
- Conversations become more efficient
- Communication consistency across the team increases
Enroll Now - $1,495
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A Structured Standard, Not a Single Course
Stamina Lab's four-level competency framework builds reliable Solution-Focused performance - from foundational fluency to organizational leadership.
Foundations
Shared structure and language for SF conversations
SF Practitioner
Reliable application across varied contexts
Certified Health Coach
Advanced judgment in complex, high-stakes environments
Trainer / Instructor
Ability to teach, supervise, and sustain standards across teams
Levels 2–4 require active Practice Lab participation - the ongoing mastery engine that keeps certified professionals sharp.
Real Results From Real Professionals
"Indiana University School of Medicine's CME approval meant I could trust the rigor. What I found is an approach that helps patients take responsibility for their health. When they own the decision to move forward, they actually do."
"With Solutions Focused language, I don't need to use that series of 'why's' promoted by some coaching methods, which I personally feel are annoying to clients, in addition to not being helpful. I'm able to visualize the DOQ and to keep things positive even when clients want to vent. And I have a better feel for the direction of a coaching conversation, even if a client tends to wander off on tangents."
"As a nurse, a major challenge is the gap between what patients agree to and what they actually do. This approach is different. It's not about working harder to convince. It's about helping patients connect the clinical recommendations to what matters most to them. In my experience, that's what actually moves follow-through."
Enroll in Foundations
A CME-approved certification in Solution-Focused clinical communication - including four private consults, unlimited AI practice, and one month of live Practice Lab.
Foundations in Solution-Focused Health Coaching
For Healthcare Professionals · CME Approved
- Complete self-paced certification program
- DOQ conversational framework
- Unlimited SolutionCoach AI™ practice
- Four private 1:1 consults
- Human-reviewed certification based on demonstrated skill
- Digital certificate + LinkedIn credential (Accredible)
- 1 month of Practice Lab (live weekly sessions)
- 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
- Full onboarding + ongoing support
Secure checkout · Instant access · Team pricing available →
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The approach works within the conversations and time constraints you already have - 5-minute check-ins, 15-minute follow-ups, or 30-minute consults. You're not adding a new step to your workflow. You're making the conversations you're already having more effective at producing patient engagement and follow-through.
Motivational Interviewing focuses on exploring and resolving ambivalence to strengthen readiness for change. The solution-focused approach begins with the assumption that the patient already has the capacity and motivation to move forward - and that change is already underway. Instead of helping patients generate reasons to change, the approach invites them to describe what life looks like when things are going better, surface what's already working, and define concrete next steps.
Most clinicians complete the certification in 6–8 hours. It's fully self-paced, so you can move through lessons, practice with the AI simulator, and complete the certification assessment on your own schedule.
Indiana University School of Medicine designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and all healthcare team members are eligible. You must complete all 10 modules to receive credit.
Certification is based on demonstrated ability, not memorization. You'll conduct a coaching session with SolutionCoach AI™, complete a structured self-assessment, and submit a transcript of your session. A certified reviewer provides personalized feedback and confirms competency before awarding certification. If you don't meet the criteria on the first attempt, the reviewer will guide you on how to strengthen your approach and invite you to resubmit.
Yes. Team and enterprise options are available for healthcare organizations. Group access includes administrative tracking, optional live support sessions, and volume pricing. Learn about Foundations for Teams →
No. The Foundations Certification is designed for healthcare professionals who communicate with patients every day. You'll learn how to apply the solution-focused approach within the clinical work you already do - not add another layer of complexity.
Start Having Better Clinical Conversations
Join clinicians and healthcare teams who are using the solution-focused approach to improve patient engagement, strengthen adherence, increase consult-to-treatment conversion, and produce outcomes that last.
6.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ · Indiana University School of Medicine · 14-day satisfaction guarantee
Want to see it in action first? Watch the free 20-minute training →