Longitudinal training and assessing consultation competence, a role for self reflection on performance.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Skills Training

Background:

• Medical consultation, encompassing history taking, physical examination, and treatment, is fundamental to patient-doctor interactions.
• Developing effective consultation skills requires integrating both communicative and medical competencies.
• These skills are progressively honed throughout medical training and professional practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the rationale and implementation of a longitudinal integrated consultation training program.
• To highlight the role of student reflection in the educational and assessment processes within this program.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a longitudinal integrated consultation training program during medical clerkships.
• Emphasis on the student's reflective practice on consultation encounters.
• Integration of reflection into both the educational and assessment framework.

Main Results:

• The program aims to systematically develop consultation skills.
• Student reflection is identified as a pivotal component for learning and evaluation.
• The longitudinal, integrated approach supports gradual skill refinement.

Conclusions:

• Longitudinal integrated training programs are effective for developing complex consultation skills.
• Incorporating reflective practice enhances medical students' learning and assessment in consultations.
• This approach fosters the integration of communication and clinical reasoning essential for competent patient care.