Communication Skills Training for Physicians Improves Patient Satisfaction.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Patient Experience
• Physician Well-being

Background:

• Physician communication is crucial for patient experience.
• Large-scale studies on communication skills training's impact are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effect of relationship-centered communication skills training on patient satisfaction.
• To evaluate the impact on physician experience, including empathy and burnout.

Main Methods:

• Observational study at an academic medical center.
• 1537 physicians participated in training; 1951 did not.
• Intervention involved an 8-hour interactive program focused on relationship-centered communication.

Main Results:

• Improved patient satisfaction scores (CGCAHPS, HCAHPS Respect domain).
• Enhanced physician empathy and self-efficacy.
• Reduced physician burnout, with sustained effects for depersonalization and personal accomplishment.

Conclusions:

• System-wide communication training boosts patient satisfaction and physician well-being.
• Training positively impacts physician empathy and reduces burnout.
• Further research is needed on long-term intervention sustainability.