The patient is the expert: a technique for teaching interviewing skills

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Communication Skills Training
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Effective medical interviewing is crucial for patient-centered care.
• Traditional training may not adequately prepare students for sensitive patient interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a teaching development aimed at fostering patient-centeredness in medical students.
• To evaluate the impact of patient-led feedback on interviewing skills.

Main Methods:

• Medical students conducted simulated patient interviews.
• Patients provided direct feedback on student behavior and communication.
• Students reflected on their assumptions and challenges in discussing sensitive issues.

Main Results:

• The approach facilitated student examination of their interviewing assumptions.
• Students gained awareness of difficulties in handling sensitive patient information.
• Patient feedback provided valuable insights into student performance.

Conclusions:

• Patient-involved teaching enhances medical students' ability to practice patient-centered interviewing.
• This method improves awareness of communication challenges and promotes self-reflection in trainees.
• It is an effective strategy for developing empathetic and skilled medical professionals.