A Workshop in Physician-Patient Communication for Anesthesiology Trainees

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesiology
• Communication Skills

Background:

• Physician-patient communication models are often based on primary care and may not suit procedural specialties.
• Patients perceive communication from surgeons and anesthesiologists as less effective than from primary care physicians.
• Anesthesiology trainees require improved communication skills to meet Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) general competency requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a communication skills workshop for anesthesiology trainees.
• To adapt existing physician-patient communication models for the unique demands of the anesthesia setting.
• To enhance the interpersonal and communication skills of residents in a procedural specialty.

Main Methods:

• A literature review of physician-patient communication in primary care and procedural settings was conducted.
• A workshop was developed by adapting the Bayer Institute for Health Communication's 4E Model (Engage, Empathize, Educate, Enlist).
• The workshop utilized anesthesia-specific examples, video cases, and role-playing scenarios.

Main Results:

• Anesthesia-patient interactions are brief, procedural-focused, and occur during high patient anxiety.
• The adapted 4E Model effectively teaches essential communication skills for the pre-operative anesthesiologist-patient interaction.
• The workshop successfully addressed the specific needs and challenges of communication in anesthesiology.

Conclusions:

• Procedural specialties, such as anesthesiology, require tailored communication training models.
• Existing communication models can be effectively adapted to meet the specific needs of non-primary care specialties.
• This workshop provides a model for training anesthesiology residents in interpersonal and communication skills.