A Prospective Study on the Impact of the Communication Skills Module on Medication Adherence: Healing Through...

Effective communication is vital for building doctor-patient relationships, improving patient compliance, and reducing medical errors. However, communication training is often underemphasized in medical education.

This study aimed to enhance communication skills among second-year MBBS students by developing and validating communication skills modules focused on medication adherence, training faculty to deliver them, implementing the modules, and evaluating their effectiveness.

A prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. Two competency-based communication modules were developed and validated in the context of antitubercular drugs and oral contraceptive education. Following ethical approval, the modules were implemented with 101 second-year MBBS students. Faculty members were trained, and students were assessed using a simulated, observed structured practical examination (OSPE). Focus group discussions (n = 8) and faculty interviews (n = 4) were conducted, and all qualitative data were analyzed using the NVivo software (Lumivero, Denver, Colorado).

Postmodule OSPE performance improved in 87.12% of students (p = 0.0002). Student self-assessment results showed improvement, with 78% reporting poor communication before the intervention and 94% reporting significant improvement and increased confidence afterward. Qualitative feedback affirmed enhanced communication competence and awareness of medication adherence and patient safety.

Structured communication modules significantly improved communication skills, confidence, and simulated interactions among second-year MBBS students. Both students and faculty recognized the critical role of communication in patient safety and medication adherence, underscoring the need to integrate such training into medical curricula.