Xinchun Liu1, Wesley Rohrer2, Aijing Luo3, Zhou Fang4, TianHua He5, Wenzhao Xie6. 1. Department of Social Medicine & Health Management, School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China; Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China. 2. Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA. 3. Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China. Electronic address: angelaliu23@gmail.com. 4. Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, USA. 5. School of Medicine, TsingHua University, Beijing, China; School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, USA. 6. Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review of studies on doctor-patient communication skills training (CST) for medical students and physicians in mainland China. METHODS: We retrieved articles from six electronic databases, and searched additional eligible papers by checking reference lists. Chinese or English-language studies focused on CST and implemented in mainland China were applied to the pre-determined criteria. Articles included were further reviewed under the following categories: participant; training strategy; assessment; and outcome. RESULTS: 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. 90% of the CST improved trainees' communication skills using a strategy which included a didactic component combined with practical rehearsal and feedback. The duration of training varied substantially. A lack of enhancement in empathy, and the use of open-ended questions were reported. 83% of the assessment instruments were self-designed and most lacked reliability and validity testing. Only two of the included studies evaluated patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of included studies attained statistically significant improvements. Chinese doctors and medical students' communication skills can be enhanced through CST. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Future studies in China should place stronger emphasis on the development of training strategies, validation of the assessment instruments, and evaluation of patient satisfaction affected by CST.
OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review of studies on doctor-patient communication skills training (CST) for medical students and physicians in mainland China. METHODS: We retrieved articles from six electronic databases, and searched additional eligible papers by checking reference lists. Chinese or English-language studies focused on CST and implemented in mainland China were applied to the pre-determined criteria. Articles included were further reviewed under the following categories: participant; training strategy; assessment; and outcome. RESULTS: 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. 90% of the CST improved trainees' communication skills using a strategy which included a didactic component combined with practical rehearsal and feedback. The duration of training varied substantially. A lack of enhancement in empathy, and the use of open-ended questions were reported. 83% of the assessment instruments were self-designed and most lacked reliability and validity testing. Only two of the included studies evaluated patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of included studies attained statistically significant improvements. Chinese doctors and medical students' communication skills can be enhanced through CST. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Future studies in China should place stronger emphasis on the development of training strategies, validation of the assessment instruments, and evaluation of patient satisfaction affected by CST.
Authors: Meng-Lin Lee; Ton-Lin Hsieh; Chih-Wei Yang; Jou-Chieh Chen; Yu-Jeng Ju; I-Ping Hsueh Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-01 Impact factor: 4.614