Communication Skills With Patients in Clinical Practice Among Medical Students in the Mekong Delta Region, Vietnam

This study aimed to assess the communication skills with patients in clinical practice among medical students from the 4th to 6th year at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Tra Vinh University. The study aimed to evaluate the communication skills with patients in clinical practice of medical students from year 4 to year 6 at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Tra Vinh University, and to find out the factors affecting the learning and practice of this skill. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 606 medical students, using a quantitative approach through a structured questionnaire to assess six patient communication skills. The questions were divided into 49 items, measuring from basic understanding to the ability to practice independently and confidently on a 5-point scale. Medical students in the Mekong Delta region demonstrated high levels of proficiency in patient communication skills, especially in creating a comfortable and respectful communication environment for patients (mean score = 4.27). However, summarizing and synthesizing information was the weakest skill (mean score = 3.94). Final-year students outperformed fourth-year students, and female students demonstrated better skills than male students in the five communication elements. In-depth studies revealed barriers such as limited time in patient interactions and difficulty in providing feedback.