Communication Training for Medical Residents: A Mixed-Methods OSCE Pilot of CONVERSA LATAM

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Communication
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Serious illness communication training is established in North America and Europe.
• Culturally adapted programs are under-evaluated in Latin America.
• Need for effective, regionally relevant training models.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate behavioral change and practice shifts after Core CONVERSA LATAM.
• Assess a short, regionally adapted curriculum for first-year residents in Chile.
• Test a mixed-methods Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) evaluation model.

Main Methods:

• Single-group convergent mixed-methods pilot study.
• Nine first-year residents (oncology, geriatrics) in Chile.
• Pre- and post-course OSCEs with standardized patients, scored by self, standardized patients, and faculty.
• Qualitative analysis of 108 feedback and self-reflection entries.

Main Results:

• Significant OSCE score improvements across all rater types (self, standardized patient, faculty).
• Narrowing variability in scores suggests convergence toward a shared baseline.
• Qualitative themes revealed a shift to patient-centered practice, including emotional response and goal alignment.

Conclusions:

• A short, culturally adapted, OSCE-anchored curriculum yields measurable behavioral change.
• Mixed-methods OSCE evaluation is a feasible model for serious illness communication training.
• This approach supports emerging training programs in diverse settings.