Benefits of communication skills training after real patient exposure

BACKGROUND: The established communication skills training (CST) curriculum consists of continuous education, frequent practice with real patients, supervision and feedback from medical teachers. The limitation of this curriculum is that students have to directly apply the theoretical basis they are provided with to real patients. To improve the existing CST curriculum a CST module involving simulated patients was introduced in order to develop more complex communication skills. METHODS: A new CST module using simulated patients was developed and evaluated. The students assessed the module from their own perspective using a questionnaire, and compared it with other courses. In addition, the communication competencies of the students were assessed with a self-report questionnaire before and after the training. RESULTS: The overall rating for the course was 5.4 on a six-point Swiss school grade scale, with six being the best possible score. The self-assessment showed positive changes after the intervention and subjective improvement in knowledge, to varying extents. DISCUSSION: For the acquisition of more complex communication skills students value being able to practise their skills with simulated patients first, before practising with real patients.