Teen Actors Teaching Communication Skills

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Adolescent Medicine
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Effective communication with adolescent patients is crucial for high-quality healthcare.
• Physicians often face challenges discussing sensitive topics with teenagers.
• Existing simulation methods can be costly and lack adolescent-specific training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of incorporating teenage actors into a pediatric simulation program.
• To enhance resident physicians' self-perceived comfort levels when interviewing adolescent patients.
• To improve residents' skills in addressing sensitive subjects with teens.

Main Methods:

• A Teen Acting Program was established using volunteer theater students as simulated patients.
• Pediatric residents on an adolescent medicine rotation participated in the simulation.
• Pre- and post-surveys assessed resident comfort levels and skill acquisition.

Main Results:

• 80% of residents found the program helpful, with 80% deeming it high-yield.
• Statistically significant improvements were observed in resident comfort with adolescent interviews, including sensitive topics.
• The program demonstrated a 10-fold cost reduction compared to traditional simulation methods.

Conclusions:

• The Teen Acting Program offers a cost-effective approach to enhance resident communication skills with adolescents.
• Simulation using teen actors improves resident confidence in addressing sensitive issues like confidentiality, sexuality, and mental health.
• The program provides valuable experience for both medical residents and young actors.