Qualifizierung Medizinstudierender zu patientenorientierter Kommunikation: Pilotprojekt zur Entwicklung und Anwendung einer Kompetenzprüfung

Abstract

Medical students should be trained in effective communication skills for interacting with patients. For this objective, we aimed at developing a role play based examination with an associated paper and pencil test. Seven role play situations and similar paper and pencil tests (the latter comprising the “Application Knowledge Questionnaire”, FAW) were constructed using both everyday and specific doctor-patient situations. Best practice in those situations was discussed in Medical Psychology courses. The FAW was completed by N = 259 students (age 19 – 49; 56% female) during two terms at the beginning and the end of Medical Psychology courses. Role play examinations (RP) took place at the end of the course. Most student “physician” actors displayed more than 50%of “best practice actions” in RP. All of the role play situations brought to light better communication skills than questionnaire findings would suggest. FAW-achievement and role play achievement were not correlated. Female students showed better communication skills than male students. Traditional written and oral examinations are likely to underestimate students’ practical knowledge. Therefore, role play examinations should be conducted in conjunction with other forms of examinations.