Creation of a Learning Environment Contributing to the Development of Communication Competencies within the System of Continuing Education of Medical Doctors

Abstract

Introduction. The current state of the development of science and the society poses challenges to the pedagogical community and requires improvement of educational technologies to achieve a higher level of professional training of medical workers. Today, the search and development of effective teaching strategies for mastering fundamental and special professional knowledge is more relevant than ever. Our objectives were to create a learning environment contributing to the development of communication competencies within the system of continuing education of medical workers and to test it on occupational therapists and hygienists studying in the Pacific State Medical University. Materials and methods. First, we substantiated the hypothesis through the analysis of literary sources and legislative documents on the topic of the study. Second, we applied rapid diagnostic techniques (testing and a questionnaire-based survey) to study the level of development of communication competencies in healthcare professionals. Results. To solve one of the study goals, we defined communication competencies of a medical practitioner as the ability not only to establish but also to maintain necessary relationships with other people, including the professional network, over the years. At the theoretical stage of our research, we substantiated the system of organizational, pedagogical and psychological conditions necessary for effective development of communication skills of a medical doctor. The practical stage involved the elaboration of individual programs of professional and self-development and their introduction into practical activities of the doctors. Conclusion. Thus, according to the hypothesis of the study, implementation of the model of the development of communication competencies will help the medical practitioner expand professional communications enabling him to turn from a performer into a researcher and/or experimenter and master the skills of research activities, drafting projects and programs of experimental work.