Effect and Durability of an In-depth Training Course on Physician Communication Skills

Effective clinical communication skills are integral to a successful and therapeutic clinician-patient relationship and are associated with improvement in adherence, outcomes, and lower medicolegal risk. However, in stark contrast to other clinical and cognitive skills, practicing physicians generally receive little ongoing training or assessment of individual performance in communication.

To assess the effect of an in-depth physician communication course on patients' perception of clinician skill in communication.

We analyzed the effect of a 3-day dedicated course on clinical communication skills among 65 clinicians assessed by a randomized patient survey.

Patients were significantly more satisfied with their physician on 6 specific communication skills after the physician received the Communication Skills Intensive training. The effect persisted at 12 months' follow-up. In addition to the improved patient satisfaction scores, attendees stated that they learned many practical communication skills and valued the course.

Health systems looking to improve patient-reported outcome measures should consider focused training, resources, and time for practitioners to engage in a communication skills intensive course.