Efficacy of a smart glass-enhanced training programme for core doctor-patient communication skills among radiology residents in China

Background Effective doctor-patient communication (DPC) skills are critical competencies in residency training. This study evaluated the efficacy of a smart glass (SG)-based communication skills training curriculum for radiology residents in China. Materials and methods This quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design involved 18 radiology residents in an 8-week SG-based DPC simulation training. Supervisors used the SEGUE scale, while residents and four standardised patients (SPs) trained by the Guangdong Institute of Simulation Medicine self-assessed satisfaction with a Likert scale. Analysis compared pre- and post-training scores (before, immediately after, and 6 months post-programme). Post-training SG experiences were assessed via surveys. Results Significant improvements were observed in SEGUE scale scores immediately and 6 months post-programme compared with pre-programme scores (17.06 ± 3.67 and 17.72 ± 3.12 versus 10.94 ± 2.88, respectively, p < 0.001). Similarly, Likert scores for SPs and residents showed significant increases both immediately and 6 months post-programme compared with initial scores (3.50 ± 0.51 and 3.67 ± 0.68 versus 2.39 ± 0.61, p < 0.001 for both, and 3.28 ± 0.46 and 3.55 ± 0.78 versus 2.66 ± 0.84, p = 0.037 and 0.008, respectively). Post-training, the Likert consistency between SPs and residents was 0.73 ( p = 0.005). Of 18 participants, 16 (89%) reported that SG provided useful feedback, and 16 (89%) recognised the value of SG in developing DPC skills. Conclusion The SG-based simulation training programme significantly enhanced and sustained DPC skills among radiology residents. Relevance statement Smart glasses provide an innovative tool for recording standardised patient encounters, offering a perspective for analysing and evaluating residents’ interpersonal communication skills and nonverbal behaviours. Key Points Smart glasses enhance doctor-patient communication skills in radiology residents. Simulation training with smart glasses showed improvement in skills. Smart glasses offer a perspective for standardised patient encounters. They facilitate better analysis of residents’ interpersonal and nonverbal communication.