Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Using Simulation Models to Train Clinicians in the Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Published on: August 9, 2024
Assessment of patient communication skills during OSCE: examining effectiveness of a training program in minimizing
Emmanuelle Schwartzman1, Donald I Hsu, Anandi V Law
1Western University of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Pomona, CA, USA. eschwartzman@westernu.edu
Objective:
To assess effectiveness of a training program in reducing inter-grader variability in grading communication skills during an objective structured clinical exam (OSCE).
Methods:
Global communication (GC) skills are assessed by standardized participants (SP) and faculty during each OSCE using a 6 item rubric. Despite criteria delineated in the GC rubric, inter-grader variability was observed. During 2008-2009 academic year, a training program was implemented before each OSCE to achieve more consistent interpretation and grading in GC skills. GC grades between SP and faculty for 2nd and 3rd level student OSCEs during 2008-2009 (post-training) were compared to 2007-2008 (pre-training). Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.
Results:
274 and 281 students participated in OSCEs during 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 academic years, respectively. Training significantly (P<.001) decreased grader variability between SPs and faculty. There was a greater mean difference between faculty vs. SP before training (faculty 14.68, SP 15.87) compared to after training (faculty 13.51, SP 13.78). Mean GC scores for both faculty and SPs also decreased significantly after training.
Conclusion And Practice Implications:
A training program may be necessary to reduce inter-rater variability in assessment of OSCE communication skills if it is to be truly helpful to student pharmacists learning to counsel patients.
Related Concept Videos
Barriers to Effective Communication II
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Barriers to Effective Communication I
Communication barriers include the following:
Physiological barriers: They are limitations caused by a person's health condition or disability, such as hearing loss, poor eyesight, illness, or unconsciousness. An example to overcome this barrier...
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process III: Evaluation and Documentation
Techniques of Therapeutic Communication II: Focusing, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
This therapeutic technique can also be used when a patient brings up pertinent information during a health-related conversation. The...
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process I: Assessment and Diagnosis
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.