[Between science and suffering: difficult conversations in healthcare]

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Communication Skills Training
• Healthcare Professional Development

Background:

• The Program to Enhance Relational and Communication Skills (PERCS) was developed at Children's Hospital Boston.
• PERCS aims to improve clinicians' ability to conduct difficult conversations with patients and families.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the adaptation and implementation of the PERCS program in Italy.
• To assess the cultural adaptability of a communication skills program for healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

• The PERCS program was launched in Milan in 2008 following collaboration with Children's Hospital Boston.
• Monthly 4-hour workshops involved interdisciplinary participants (10-13) and trained actors enacting case scenarios.
• Participants received feedback from actors, peers, and facilitators, guided by pedagogical principles emphasizing safety, reflection, and multiple perspectives.

Main Results:

• Over 80 participants voluntarily attended the PERCS program in Italy.
• The program successfully engaged interdisciplinary healthcare professionals in simulated difficult conversations.
• Participants' positive response indicated the meaningfulness and need for such relational learning.

Conclusions:

• Implementing PERCS in Italy confirmed the feasibility of culturally adapting educational opportunities.
• The program effectively embraced the relational and ethical experiences of healthcare learners.
• Relational learning is a valuable and necessary component of professional development in healthcare.