Exploring potential benefits of communication training with standardised patients for medical students

Abstract

Background: Physicians’ communication skills (CS) are important for improving patient-centred care. The aim of this study was to evaluate simulation training in difficult consultations with actors as standardised patients (SPs) for training CS with medical students, as regards both student satisfaction and effects on CS used. Methods: In this mixed-method study, quantitative data from student evaluations (N = 93) and results from practical examinations (N = 73) were compared between medical students who practiced CS in challenging situations through simulation training with SPs with students from previous term when SPs were not used in the training. The number of CS used during each included video-taped practical examination was counted. Differences in number of CS behaviours (active listening, empathy and motivational efforts) were examined using a MANCOVA. Further, 23 students were interviewed in focus groups about their experiences of simulation training using SPs; interviews were analysed with content analysis. Results: Students who participated in simulation training with SPs were more content with the course. There was no between-group difference in the number of CS used in practical examinations. In the focus groups, students reported that actors as SPs made the simulations more realistic. Elements such as actor flexibility in changing behaviours during roleplay and being exposed to different difficult consultations and emotions were regarded as valuable. Conclusion: Implementing actors as SPs in the medicine programme was appreciated and seemed to add elements to the learning process of CS. No firm conclusions can be drawn regarding the lack of effect of SPs on CS, considering the absence of baseline levels of CS use. Future research should use a randomised control design.