Positive Outcomes of Communication Skill Training to Medical Resident Doctors

Abstract

Introduction: Communication skills are an important component in building a good doctor − patient relationship. Imparting knowledge on it to medical students, during their formative years of training, help to overcome issues that arise due to communication gaps with patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four 1st-year postgraduate resident doctors in the department of medicine in a tertiary care teaching hospital were evaluated regarding their communication skills. Residents were taught how to communicate properly with patients when taking their informed consent prior to a procedure. Results: Competency of residents and patient satisfaction, evaluated using the Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist and Interview Satisfaction Questionnaire, respectively, showed improvements following such training. Conclusion: Formal assessments and training in communication skills for medical residents aid significantly to improve physician competence and patient satisfaction.