The value of training in communication skills for continuing medical education

Question arises as to what extent communication skills are considered in continuing medical education (CME).

Analysis for CME-courses in communication skills in the area of the Chamber of Physicians North Rhine (ÄkNo), Germany. Supply Arm(A): CME events (n = 19,320) certified in 2007 were evaluated. Demand Arm(B): course participation of 850 family physicians in the period 2002-2007 was analyzed (n = 37,724). Tests were calculated to the level 0.05 using Mann-Whitney U-test.

(A) 388 (2.0%) events were concerned with the topic communications. 59.3% involved active cooperation of the participants. 0.5% events devoted more than 50% of their duration to the topic communication. Proportions in the subjects of internal medicine, general medicine and pediatrics amounted to 0.2%. (B) 803 (2.1%) events with a focus on communication were identified. Women took part in significantly more events than men (p<0.002) and selected more interactive courses.

Content on communication training was small. Increasing experience does not automatically improve communication skills but an extent of deliberate praxis seems to be necessary and must be sought and developed.

Communication skills are still insufficiently provided in CME-courses and should be more directed to focus as treatment strategies and scientifically investigated for outcome improvements.