Back to Search
Start Over
Using a computer simulation for teaching communication skills: A blinded multisite mixed methods randomized controlled trial.
- Source :
-
Patient education and counseling [Patient Educ Couns] 2017 Apr; Vol. 100 (4), pp. 748-759. Date of Electronic Publication: 2016 Oct 29. - Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Objectives: To assess advanced communication skills among second-year medical students exposed either to a computer simulation (MPathic-VR) featuring virtual humans, or to a multimedia computer-based learning module, and to understand each group's experiences and learning preferences.<br />Methods: A single-blinded, mixed methods, randomized, multisite trial compared MPathic-VR (N=210) to computer-based learning (N=211). Primary outcomes: communication scores during repeat interactions with MPathic-VR's intercultural and interprofessional communication scenarios and scores on a subsequent advanced communication skills objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare outcomes.<br />Secondary Outcomes: student attitude surveys and qualitative assessments of their experiences with MPathic-VR or computer-based learning.<br />Results: MPathic-VR-trained students improved their intercultural and interprofessional communication performance between their first and second interactions with each scenario. They also achieved significantly higher composite scores on the OSCE than computer-based learning-trained students. Attitudes and experiences were more positive among students trained with MPathic-VR, who valued its providing immediate feedback, teaching nonverbal communication skills, and preparing them for emotion-charged patient encounters.<br />Conclusions: MPathic-VR was effective in training advanced communication skills and in enabling knowledge transfer into a more realistic clinical situation.<br />Practice Implications: MPathic-VR's virtual human simulation offers an effective and engaging means of advanced communication training.<br /> (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1873-5134
- Volume :
- 100
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Patient education and counseling
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 27939846
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2016.10.024