Communication Skills Training for Medical Students: A Prospective, Observational, Single Centre Study

Introduction: Communication is an important clinical skill, critical to effective diagnosis and management. It helps to connect with patients on a cognitive and emotional level. Good communication leads to a better patient outcome in terms of satisfaction and adherence. It decreases the incidence of malpractice. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of the newly developed communication skill training module for the second year medical students in order to improve their knowledge, skills and attitude and identify the pitfalls and vital areas of implementation. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective observational study. Here, the communication skill modules were taught through interactive lectures intercept with role play by the faculty. Pre-validated questionnaire in the form of pretest and post-test was used as an assessment tool. This was followed by performances by students in the form of role play on given scenarios and they were assessed by direct observation with a checklist. The present module was conducted on three batches of second year MBBS students. The data were analysed in percentage. Results: Students were evaluated through a multiple choice pretest and post-test and results were given in form of percentage. An increase in scores from pre-test to post-test was observed in 93 (76.86%), 113 (76.51%) and 131 (78.45%) students respectively. The percentage of students who agreed to apply what they had learnt, into practice was > 90%. Evaluation of the faculty was done through a feedback. The overall improvement in faculty performance was seen over the three years. Conclusion: Thus, an attempt to teach communication skills to second year medicos was made through evaluation, feedback and identification of pitfalls for further improvement.