Talk the Talk: Implementing a Communication Curriculum for Surgical Residents

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Communication Skills

Background:

• Surgical resident training faces challenges in developing nontechnical skills.
• Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education milestones emphasize interpersonal and communication competencies.
• Formalizing patient-centered communication skills instruction is crucial for surgical trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement a curriculum for patient-centered communication skills in surgical residents.
• To utilize interactive learning principles, including group discussion and simulation.
• To identify best practices for building such a communication skills program.

Main Methods:

• A 2-year, quarterly module curriculum was implemented in a surgical simulation center.
• Interactive learning principles and simulation-based scenarios were employed.
• Former patients, trained as standardized participants (SPs) from the Trauma Survivors Network, were utilized.

Main Results:

• Curriculum development presented challenges but was facilitated by key elements.
• Learners, faculty, and colleagues showed enthusiasm and engagement.
• Patient SPs proved valuable, and the curriculum enhanced residents' perceived communication skills and shifted the communication culture.

Conclusions:

• The curriculum, using patient SPs, is reproducible in other institutions.
• Faculty support and learner participation were strong.
• Continued focus on communication skills enhances patient care in residency and fellowship programs.