Mixed messages in learning communication skills? Students comparing role model behaviour in clerkships with formal training

Abstract

Background: Medical students learn professional communication through formal training and in clinical practice. Physicians working in clinical practice have a powerful influence on student learning. However, they may demonstrate communication behaviours not aligning with recommendations in training programs.

Aims: This study aims to identify more precisely what differences students perceive between role model communication behaviour during clerkships and formal training.

Method: In a cross-sectional study, data were collected about physicians’ communication performance as perceived by students. Students filled out a questionnaire in four different clerkships in their fourth and fifth year.

Results: Just over half of the students reported communication similar to formal training. This was especially true for students in the later clerkships (paediatrics and primary care). Good examples were seen in providing information corresponding to patients’ needs and in shared decision making, although students often noted that in fact the doctor made the decision. Bad examples were observed in exploring cognitions and emotions, and in providing information meeting patient's pace.

Conclusions: Further study is needed on actual physician behaviour in clinical practice. From our results, we conclude that students need help in reflecting on and learning from the gap in communication patterns they observe in training versus clinical practice.