Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
05:21
Computerized Adaptive Testing System of Functional Assessment of Stroke
Published on: January 7, 2019
Using the communication assessment tool in family medicine residency programs
Linda Myerholtz1, Lynn Simons, Sumi Felix
1Mercy Health Partners Family Medicine Residency Program, Toledo, OH 43604, USA. linda_myerholtz@mhsnr.org
Family Medicine
|September 11, 2010
Summary
First-year residents using the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) received higher patient ratings for interpersonal skills than PGY-2 and PGY-3 residents. This data aids family medicine programs in evaluating resident communication.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Patient-Physician Communication
- Family Medicine
Background:
- The Communication Assessment Tool (CAT) measures patient perceptions of physician communication skills.
- Benchmarking data is needed for family medicine residency programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To collect initial benchmarking data for the CAT in family medicine residency.
- To assess patient perceptions of resident communication skills.
Main Methods:
- 1,931 patients completed the paper CAT after seeing 127 residents across six family medicine programs.
- 1,880 CAT forms were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Residents achieved an overall mean of 69.7% "excellent" ratings.
- PGY-1 residents (77.0%) were rated significantly higher than PGY-2 (69.5%) and PGY-3 (68.1%) residents.
- No significant differences in ratings were found based on resident gender or native language.
Conclusions:
- This study provides initial benchmarking data for family medicine residency programs.
- The CAT can be used as both an evaluative and learning tool for residents.
- Programs can compare their residents' performance against this benchmark data.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Role of Communication in the Nursing Process I: Assessment and Diagnosis
The nursing process uses scientific reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking to guide nurses in providing patients with appropriate care. This process is a systematic approach to recognize, avoid, and treat current or potential health issues while promoting the patient's well-being.
The nursing process considers the patient's emotional and physical well-being. The process can be repeated or stopped at any point if judged essential. Assessment is the first step in the nursing process.
The nursing process considers the patient's emotional and physical well-being. The process can be repeated or stopped at any point if judged essential. Assessment is the first step in the nursing process.
01:14SBAR II: Application of SBAR
SBAR is an effective communication tool used by healthcare professionals to communicate patient information accurately. SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation. For a better understanding, an example is given below.
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
SBAR Report from a Nurse to a Health Care Provider
S: "Hello, Dr. Smith. This is Jane, RN, from the Med Surg unit. I am calling to tell you about Ms. White in Room 210, who is experiencing increased pain and redness at her incision site. Her recent...
01:23Assessment of Respiration
The respiratory system's basic structures and primary functions lay the foundation for nurses' comprehensive respiratory assessments. This assessment includes subjective and objective data to gauge the patient's respiratory health.
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...
01:25Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
Several factors are considered while creating a patient's care plan. Motivation is a factor in improving communication, and patients often require encouragement to try different approaches involving significant change. It is essential to involve the patient and family in decisions about the plan of care to determine whether the suggested methods are acceptable. Consider meeting critical comfort and safety needs before introducing new communication methods and techniques. Allow adequate time for...
01:08Role of Communication in the Nursing Process III: Evaluation and Documentation
A successful patient outcome depends mainly on the evaluation stage of the nursing process. Evaluation determines effectiveness by reviewing what was done previously after the completion of nursing interventions. Every time a healthcare professional steps in or administers treatment, they must reassess or evaluate the action to ensure the intended result. During the evaluation phase, there are three probable patient outcomes:
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities