Impact Of Communication Skills Training in Postgraduate Medical Education

Authors

  • KK Shyamala Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka
  • Vasudha Kulkarni Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Vasanth Shenoy Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Bidhata Khatri Independent Researcher, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Thapashwi Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Lakshmi TA St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  • Mary Joseph St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55489/njcm.13062022403

Keywords:

Communication skills, assessment, Kalamazoo, postgraduate medical education

Abstract

Background: Effective communication is a key feature of optimal doctor-patient relationship.  As the postgraduate curriculum lacks standardized teaching and assessment, this study aimed   to assess effectiveness of training program on communication skills of postgraduate medical students.

Materials and methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted among first year postgraduate medical students from different clinical specialty. Training program included introduction to principles of communication with basics of doctor-patient relationship, administering informed consent, breaking bad news and counselling patients with HIV/cancer. Pre-test and post-test skill assessment by Faculty and postgraduate (PG) self-rating was carried out using KEECC-A Assessment tool for seven core communication competencies. Perception of students on training program was collected via feedback questionnaire.

Results: Forty-three postgraduate medical students participated. Statistically significant increase in communication skills scores post training was observed with mean post-test assessment scores of 24.26±2.94, p<0.001(faculty rating), 25.19±3.76, p<0.001(PG self-rating) and high degree of internal consistency was found. Students perceived the training program as valuable and highlighted its importance as a part of curriculum.

Conclusion: Training program significantly enhanced communication skills of postgraduate medical students. Integration of standardized teaching and assessment of communication skills is essential for better healthcare practice and optimal doctor-patient relationship.

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Published

2022-06-30

How to Cite

1.
KK Shyamala, Kulkarni V, Shenoy V, Bidhata Khatri, Thapashwi, TA L, Joseph M. Impact Of Communication Skills Training in Postgraduate Medical Education. Natl J Community Med [Internet]. 2022 Jun. 30 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];13(06):359-63. Available from: https://njcmindia.com/index.php/file/article/view/403

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Original Research Articles