Design, implementation and evaluation a tool to strengthen physician- patient communication skills of medical students

Introduction: How to communicate and interact with the patient play an effective role in patient satisfaction, treatment outcome, psychological effects, medical costs, clinical competence of physician, and even patient’s complaining. these skills can be learned. Studies showed that physician did not receive enough training regarding general communication skills. this study aimed to provide a tool to strengthen communication skills of medical students in an effective and simple manner. Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention study was performed on medical students of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Internship period in 1388. Participants were randomized to the intervention and control groups (75 student in each group). intervention group received the tool were developed for guiding physicians to communicate with patient. After two months, physician- patient communication in two groups was assessed and compared. Finally, data analysis was performed with spss software. Results: The overall mean was 29/36±7/2. mean score in both intervention and control groups were 32/5±7 and 26/19±5/91 respectively. the mean difference between two groups was 6/35. Difference between intervention and control groups was significant (p<0/001). Conclusions: The results showed the use of educational tools are effective on communication with patients. Education about effective communication with patients should be considered in educational material for medical students.