Hands on + hands free: simulated on-call interaction.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Communication
• Simulation Training

Background:

• Hospital-based medical professionals frequently discuss patient status via telephone.
• Medical students receive inadequate training in telephone communication skills.
• A need exists for practical training in managing telephone interactions with acutely unwell patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement an innovative simulation session for third-year medical students.
• To address the learning gap in telephone communication and patient handover.
• To enhance students' confidence and competence in critical hospital communication scenarios.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a simulation involving role-played nurse-patient scenarios delivered via speakerphone.
• Incorporated a pager system for initiating simulated calls.
• Conducted student-led debriefing sessions and assessed confidence using Likert scales and feedback questionnaires.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant improvement in student confidence in telephone communication and handover was observed post-simulation.
• Student feedback indicated a lack of prior training and a strong appreciation for the practical simulation.
• The simulation provided a safe environment for practicing essential communication skills.

Conclusions:

• Simulation training, even with low-cost tools like speakerphones, is effective for teaching telephone communication skills.
• There is a strong recommendation for incorporating telephone communication training into all medical curricula.
• The study's methods have been integrated into existing simulation curricula at Newcastle University.