594 - A Virtual Solution for Teaching Communication Skills to Pediatric Residents

Poster Number: 594
Publication Number: 594.118

Leann A. Madion, Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Amanda Rogers, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States; Kendall Snellgrove, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States

Background: Ineffective communication is a leading cause of medical errors and patient harm. Communication training is invaluable in medical education but can be logistically challenging and resource intense, especially with COVID related limitations on in-person education. There is value in identifying effective, efficient, and safe ways to deliver this essential content.
 

Objective: To assess the feasibility and impact of a virtual simulation communication workshop (VSCW) on pediatric intern confidence handling difficult conversations and use of evidence-based communication tools (EBCT).
 

Design/Methods: We conducted a needs assessment of residents to determine what communication skills were in greatest need of enhanced training. Based on results, we developed a VSCW for interns on delivering difficult news and de-escalation strategies. This workshop included didactic content on EBCT, virtual practice scenarios with standardized patients followed by direct feedback and facilitated discussions on practical applications with experienced faculty. A rotating schedule of live and recorded content was used to maximize facilitator-to-learner ratios while reducing resources needed. A virtual format increased facilitator availability and compliance with safe COVID practices.

Results: Participants completed immediate and 3-month post surveys assessing their confidence in select communication skills on a 5-point Likert scale and utilization of EBCT. Residents and facilitators evaluated the virtual structure. Mann Whitney U assessed for changes in confidence pre/post. Descriptive statistics assessed for use of EBCT. 33 interns participated in the workshop. Intern confidence delivering difficult news and de-escalating individuals increased post workshop with improved confidence de-escalating individuals sustained at the 3-month follow up (pre: median 3/5, interquartile range (IQR) 2-3; 3-month post: median 3/5, IQR 3-3; p=0.02). At baseline many participants were not familiar with any EBCT to deliver difficult news or de-escalate individuals (44% and 80% respectively). At the 3-month follow-up, 92% of respondents had used one of the EBCT and planned to use one in the future. Interns and facilitators both rated the quality of the virtual format as good (median 4/5). Pros include comfort, flexibility, and applications to telemedicine; cons include decreased fidelity and limitations practicing non-verbal communication skills.Conclusion(s): A VSCW is a feasible method to provide communication education and is associated with improved confidence handling difficult conversations and use of evidence-based communication strategies.
LAM - CV.pdf