Addressing the Challenges of Training in Communication Skills in Medicine in India Naineni K.1,2,*, Rao G.V. Ramana4, Saie U.4, Naineni S.4, Mada S.2,3 1Ashdown Forest Health Centre, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5AQ, UK 2GLOCAL Academy, UK 3County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, UK 4GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute, India *Corresponding author e-mail id: knaineni@nhs.net
Online published on 30 June, 2016. Abstract Introduction Effective communication skills are essential for every clinician involved in patient care. The Medical Council of India (MCI) has mandated this in its revised medical curriculum 2012. GLOCALAcademy (UK) has collaborated with GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI) of India to deliver and evaluate a two-day course encompassing several aspects of communication skills curriculum. Methods Two courses each of two days were delivered to 86 clinicians using interactive methods including lectures, seminars/tutorials, and role-plays. Topics such as team working, conflict resolution, constructive feedback, and dealing with sad, bad, and difficult news were covered. Each course was evaluated at the end and two weeks later. Results All felt course was well organized and that individual learning needs were met; 98% were satisfied with the content. Team working, conflict resolution, constructive feedback, and dealing with sad, bad, and difficult news were rated as very good or good by 100%, 98%, 88%, and 97%, respectively. Participants described course as interesting (97%), interactive (71%), inspiring (67%), useful (58%), and thought provoking (39%). Conclusion We have identified a lack of structured undergraduate communication skills training programmes to equip clinicians with the skills necessary to meet the challenges of modern medicine. Feedback highlights the felt need by clinicians for effective communication skills training. Top Keywords Breaking bad news, Communication skills, Curriculum, Empathy, Soft skills, Team working. Top |