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Using Backwards Design to Enhance Communication Skills in Healthcare Education: A Case Study on Medical Student's
Khalaf McStay C1, Siropaides C2, Dorough R3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Supportive and Palliative Medicine Division, University of Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX USA.
Abstract:
Effective communication between healthcare providers and patients is crucial for quality healthcare, particularly in oncology settings where discussions about serious illnesses are common. Physicians are required early in their training to communicate medical complexities effectively to patients. This Learners' Evaluation presents a reflective analysis of personalized communication skills training in healthcare through backward design, focusing on medical students' experiences and perspectives. Thematic analysis was utilized within a backward design instruction to evaluate the concerns and needs of medical students regarding communication with patients confronting serious illnesses. Over four years, 35 participants contributed to this study. The qualitative analysis revealed common themes related to responding to patient emotions, prognostic skills and knowledge, and communication skills for difficult conversations. The results from the study gave understanding to the fears and motivation of the learners. This study shows that educators can leverage backward design to empower learners to create a roadmap for their educational journey. Understanding the learners experience also allows educators to create a tailored curriculum to address their unique educational needs.
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