Teaching Radiologists Who Perform Image-Guided Interventions Effective Communication Skills Through Simulation

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to teach radiologists who perform image guided interventions effective communication skills. Complaints related to communication errors between Radiologists and patients during interventional procedures are not uncommon. Communication for Radiologists performing IR procedures can be challenging since they are meeting the patient for the first time on the day of the procedure. Good communication skills are important to foster a good doctor/patient relationship, which can improve clinical outcomes and even decrease litigation [1]. There is growing emphasis on communication skills/patient centered care in radiology [2]. This is evident given the American College of Radiology's Imaging 3.0 initiative in which the radiologist went from being only involved in reading, dictating, and transcribing the imaging study to being involved in the entire imaging process from initial consult to conveying the results of the imaging study to the patient or clinician. Simulation has been used to allow doctors to practice their communication skills in a safe setting and get

Professionalism Training in the Post–COVID-19 Era

“…In addition, this results in the loss of passive learning for residents from watching attending-patient interactions. Simulation again can be used for teaching these patient communication and interaction skills [ 5 , 24 , 25 ]. Residents can use simulated patients to practice their communication skills in patient interactions and to get feedback on the quality of their interactions with the simulated patients.…”

Ultrasound Simulation Training for Radiology Residents—Curriculum Design and Implementation

“…Communication workshops can be particularly beneficial to radiologists as their interactions with patients may be sporadic and brief depending on their clinical workflow, but the expectation for clear and compassionate communication remains. Radiology trainees report improved comfort with difficult conversations after participating in targeted workshops but also desire ongoing training, 29 and radiology faculty can also benefit from simulation training 30 …”

“…Radiology trainees report improved comfort with difficult conversations after participating in targeted workshops but also desire ongoing training, 29 and radiology faculty can also benefit from simulation training. 30 This paper outlines a unique ultrasound simulation training curriculum introduced very early in radiology resident training with the benefit of a multidisciplinary approach involving faculty within and external to the radiology department. The curriculum can be adapted by other institutions based on their specific needs.…”