Medical Board Complaints against Physicians Due to Communication: Analysis of North Carolina Medical Board Data, 2002–2012

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggests that communication issues are one of the primary reasons for physician complaints, but quantitative studies have yet to examine this assertion. The North Carolina Medical Board's Complaint Department maintains data on physician complaints and categorizes each complaint based on its primary cause. Using data from 2002–2012, our research focused on complaints against physicians licensed by the North Carolina board to determine the extent to which communication issues contribute to complaints against physicians. An analysis of this data reveals that physician complaints based on communication issues are consistently the most prevalent reason for complaints against physicians in the state of North Carolina. In addition, communication-based complaints account for more than one in five complaints made against North Carolina physicians. These results are discussed in light of their implications for the field of medicine as it seeks to improve patient care.

Evolution of Clinical Skills Assessment in the USMLE: Looking to the Future After Step 2 CS Discontinuation

“…Based on the feedback we have already received, we are likely to increase emphasis on subjects particularly important to medical practice (e.g., clinical reasoning) and areas in which state medical boards identify deficiencies (e.g., communication). 5 The initial enhancements to clinical skills assessment in USMLE exams will augment current formats and integrate them into the existing exam structure. To the extent possible, content revisions identified through stakeholder input may be reflected in multiple-choice questions in all 3 Step exams and/or computer case simulations in the Step 3 exam.…”

An Advanced Communication Skills Workshop Using Standardized Patients for Senior Medical Students

“…1 Communication with patients and families is a fundamental clinical skill, 2 and communication skills are used by patients and families as well as certifying and licensing boards as measures of physician competence. 3,4 Observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) using standardized patients (SPs) are widely utilized to both teach and assess basic communication skills during medical school. [5][6][7] However, when these students become residents, they are expected to manage clinical situations requiring more advanced communication skills, 1 in which clinicians must navigate emotionally fraught circumstances and in which an intense emotional response from patients or families can be expected.…”

The United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination: Potential Alternatives During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…We believe that the most important part of the examination is demonstrating the ability to communicate with a patient. A study published in 2014 showed that communication issues were often the top reason for complaints against physicians in North Carolina [12]. Another study showed a modest correlation between Step 2 CS Communication and Interpersonal Skills ratings and the communication skills of interns [13].…”