ERIC Number: EJ975577
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Dec
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0311-2543
EISSN: N/A
Communication Skills in Medical Education: An Integrated Approach
Bennett, Kellie; Lyons, Zaza
Education Research and Perspectives, v38 n2 p45-56 Dec 2011
The importance of teaching communication skills in any undergraduate medical curriculum cannot be overstated. Effective doctor-patient communication is widely recognised as an essential aspect of quality patient care. A communication skills module developed for first year medical students at the University of Western Australia (UWA) is described in this paper. This module aimed to enhance students' skills in medical communication and increase their understanding of the importance of addressing the patient's perspective. Results of a preliminary evaluation suggested that the module may significantly improve student's communication skills and their appreciation of the role of communication in the doctor-patient relationship. The involvement of patients, both real and simulated, and the use of role play, were reported to be the most significant module features for increasing understanding of the importance and value of communication in the doctor-patient relationship.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Communication Skills, Medical Education, Medical Students, Undergraduate Study, Physician Patient Relationship, Interpersonal Communication, Patients, Perspective Taking, Role Playing, Questioning Techniques, Empathy, Ethics, Cultural Differences, Religious Factors, Compliance (Legal)
University of Western Australia. 35 Stirling Highway Crawley, Perth, 6009 Australia. Tel: +61-8-6488-2388; Fax: +61-8-6488-1052; e-mail: gse@uwa.edu.au; Web site: http://www.education.uwa.edu.au
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A