Improved clinical communication OSCE scores after simulation-based training: Results of a comparative study.

Abstract

ObjectivesSimulation-based training (SBT) is increasingly used to teach clinical patient-doctor communication skills (CS) to medical students. However, the long-lasting impact of this training has been poorly studied.MethodsIn this observational study we included all fourth-year undergraduate medical students from a French medical school who undertook a CS objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and who answered a post-examination survey. OSCE scores and students' feedback were compared by whether students had received a specific CS-SBT or not 12 months prior to the OSCE.ResultsA total of 173 students were included in the study. Of them, 97 (56%) had followed the CS-SBT before the OSCE. Students who had undergone CS-SBT had significantly higher CS-OSCE scores in the multivariate analysis compared to untrained students (mean score 7.5/10 ±1.1 vs. 7.0/10 ±1.6, respectively, Cohen's d = 0.4, pConclusionsFourth-year medical students who benefited from a CS-SBT 12 months before examination displayed higher CS-OSCE scores than their counterparts.Practice implicationsThese results support the early introduction of practical training to improve communication skills in undergraduate medical curricula. Studies are required to assess the sustainability of this improvement over time and its effect on further real doctor-patient communication.