Translating knowledge into practice for communication skills training for health care professionals

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Communication
• Professional Development
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Person-centered communication is fundamental in healthcare interactions.
• Systematic training in communication skills for healthcare professionals (HCP) is underdeveloped.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify contextual facilitators for implementing communication skills training for HCP.
• To recommend practical implementation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of communication skills training over the past two decades.
• Analysis of contextual factors influencing training adoption.
• Application of implementation science frameworks.

Main Results:

• Effective training should incorporate self-reflection, experiential learning, and focus on behavior change.
• Programs require skilled trainers and flexibility for individual and local needs.
• Training must be integrated into organizational quality assurance, not just individual empowerment.

Conclusions:

• Sustained implementation necessitates embedding communication skills training as core business within healthcare organizations.
• Organizational culture change and sustainability depend on integration, not provisional funding.
• Implementation science offers tools for context-specific, determinant-aware programs.