engleski

University of Zagreb School of Medicine Longitudinal Course in Communication Skills

Background: Effective, clear and sensitive communication with patients, relatives, colleagues and other professionals is the essential physician skill. Since formal training in communication skills is required, we introduced a longitudinal undergraduate course that will allow students to start with basic skills and continue along the 6-year study programme practicing specific communication contents related to clinical subjects. Summary of work: Teachers from various departments were invited to participate in the course formulation. After the content of the course for each academic year was defined, the teachers were assigned to prepare the course materials for the selected topics. The proposals were evaluated in the context of the integral study concept and accepted after discussion. Summary of results: The course design comprises basic communication skills in the first, conducting a medical interview in the second, obtaining informed consent in the third year of study, etc. Specific clinical communication contents associated with relevant clinical subjects are offered in the later study years. Teaching and assessment methods are defined ; all younger teaching staff will be educated and included. Conclusions: By integrating communications skills throughout the 6-year curriculum, their practical application in specific clinical situations will be ensured. Training communication skills should be continuous and progressive, related to specific clinical subjects.

communication skills; medical students

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