B Manuel1, M Valcke2, I Keygnaert3, K Roelens4. 1. Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Av. Salvador Allende, nr 702, Maputo, Mozambique. chonguile@gmail.com. 2. Department of Educational Studies, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 3. Department of Public Health and Primary Care, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. 4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: During their medical training, medical students aim to master communication skills and professionalism competencies to foster the best possible patient-physician relationship. This is especially evident when dealing with sensitive topics. This study describes and analyses the outcomes of a simulation-based training module on clinical communication competency through interacting with simulated intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors. The training was set up as part of a broader IPV module within a Gynaecology and Obstetrics Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Medicine (MBBS). METHODS: In total, 34 (59%) of all fourth-year medical students from one medical school in Mozambique were involved. A mixed-method approach was adopted. First, a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was adopted to study the impact of the intervention to tackle critical IPV knowledge, skills, and attitudes, underlying a patient communication script. Second, a qualitative analysis of student perceptions was carried out. RESULTS: The results of the paired sample t-tests point at a significant and positive change in post-test values when looking at the general IPV self-efficacy (IPV SE) score and the subscales mainly in attitudes. Participants expressed a desire for additional IPV communication competency and suggested enhancements to the module. CONCLUSION: We conclude that due to IPV being a sensitive issue, simulation activities are a good method to be used in a safe environment to develop clinical skills. The results of this study are a good complement of the analysis of the competencies learned by the medical students in Mozambique with the current curriculum.
BACKGROUND: During their medical training, medical students aim to master communication skills and professionalism competencies to foster the best possible patient-physician relationship. This is especially evident when dealing with sensitive topics. This study describes and analyses the outcomes of a simulation-based training module on clinical communication competency through interacting with simulated intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors. The training was set up as part of a broader IPV module within a Gynaecology and Obstetrics Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of Medicine (MBBS). METHODS: In total, 34 (59%) of all fourth-year medical students from one medical school in Mozambique were involved. A mixed-method approach was adopted. First, a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design was adopted to study the impact of the intervention to tackle critical IPV knowledge, skills, and attitudes, underlying a patient communication script. Second, a qualitative analysis of student perceptions was carried out. RESULTS: The results of the paired sample t-tests point at a significant and positive change in post-test values when looking at the general IPV self-efficacy (IPV SE) score and the subscales mainly in attitudes. Participants expressed a desire for additional IPV communication competency and suggested enhancements to the module. CONCLUSION: We conclude that due to IPV being a sensitive issue, simulation activities are a good method to be used in a safe environment to develop clinical skills. The results of this study are a good complement of the analysis of the competencies learned by the medical students in Mozambique with the current curriculum.
Entities:
Keywords:
Clinical simulation; Communication competency; Intimate partner violence; Medical education; Physician-patient communication; Pre-post-test; Role plays; Undergraduate
Authors: Manuela Colombini; Susannah H Mayhew; Siti Hawa Ali; Rashidah Shuib; Charlotte Watts Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2012-07-24 Impact factor: 3.295