Introducing Communication Skills Training among Interns using Attitude, Ethics, and Communication Module

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Communication
• Professional Skills Training

Background:

• Effective communication is fundamental to patient care, including interviews, counseling, and treatment explanations.
• Medical interns require strong communication abilities for optimal patient interaction and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a communication skills training program for medical interns.
• To assess the perceptions of medical interns and faculty regarding communication skills training.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving sixty medical interns.
• Communication skills were assessed using the Kalamazoo Consensus Scale.
• Intern and faculty attitudes towards communication training were evaluated using the Rees and Sheard Scale.

Main Results:

• The mean Kalamazoo Consensus Scale score was 19.65 ± 4.97.
• Female interns scored higher than males, though not statistically significant (P=0.157).
• Mean scores for positive and negative attitude scales were 59.15 ± 5.51 and 25.20 ± 9.60, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Communication skills training is vital for medical graduates.
• Didactic lectures, role-playing, and videos can significantly improve intern communication skills.
• Enhanced communication abilities are essential for effective medical practice.