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An interprofessional approach to teaching communication skills
Joan Sargeant1, Tanya MacLeod, Anne Murray
1Director Research and Evaluation, Continuing Medical Education, Division of Medical Education, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4H7. Joan.Sargeant@Dal.ca
The Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions
|December 23, 2011
Summary
Theater-based communication skills training (CST) significantly improved health professionals' abilities to communicate with patients and families. Participants reported enhanced skills and positive patient responses, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in improving cancer care.
Area of Science:
- Health Professions Education
- Interprofessional Communication
- Patient-Centered Care
Background:
- Effective interprofessional communication is linked to improved patient satisfaction and outcomes.
- Health professional communication skills require formal training (CST) for enhancement.
- A novel theater-based CST program was developed to improve communication in community cancer care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the development and evaluation of a theater-based role-play CST program.
- To enhance health care professionals' communication skills for better patient and family support in cancer care.
Main Methods:
- Four 2-hour interprofessional communication skills workshops were conducted.
- Workshops utilized interactive theater, evidence-based practices, and trained facilitators.
- A mixed-methods evaluation design assessed outcomes pre-, post-workshop, and at follow-up.
Main Results:
- 17 workshops were attended by 518 professionals across over 20 health professions.
- Significant improvements in self-reported communication skills were observed post-workshop (p ≤ 0.05).
- 87% of follow-up respondents reported positive changes in patient responses, indicating improved communication effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- The theater-based CST program was well-received and effective in enhancing health professionals' communication skills.
- Lessons learned from the program's development and evaluation are described.
- The program shows promise for improving communication in community cancer care settings.
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