Impact of Flexible Communication Skills Training on Healthcare Professionals' Communication Knowledge and Confidence

Effective communication is critical to high-quality patient care, yet healthcare professionals often feel unprepared for complex conversations. This quality improvement study evaluated whether a flexible communication training program could enhance HCP knowledge and confidence across professional roles.

Adapted from VitalTalk^™, the curriculum included interactive lectures, skills practice with trained actors, and peer/facilitator feedback, delivered virtually or in person.

A total of 102 HCPs enrolled; 64 (63%) completed pre-, post-, and 1-month follow-up surveys. Knowledge and confidence scores improved significantly post-training and were largely sustained at 1-month. Physicians reported higher confidence than nurses and advanced practice providers (APPs), though knowledge scores did not differ by profession. Confidence in addressing emotion was retained at follow-up, while confidence in quickly establishing trust declined.

These findings suggest that brief, flexible communication training improves HCP confidence and knowledge, though ongoing practice may be needed to maintain gains. This model may support interprofessional training with minimal disruption to clinical schedules.