Communication Skills Training in Ophthalmology: Results of a Needs Assessment and Pilot Training Program

摘要

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps in communication skills training in ophthalmology residency programs and to use these results to pilot a communication workshop that prepares residents for difficult conversations.& para;& para;DESIGN: A mixed-methods design was used to perform the needs assessment. A pre-and post-survey was administered to workshop participants.& para;& para;SETTING: Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School (HMS), Department of Ophthalmology.& para;& para;PARTICIPANTS: HMS ophthalmology residents from postgraduate years 2-4 participated in the needs assessment and the workshop. Ophthalmology residency program directors in the United States participated in national needs assessment.& para;& para;METHODS: Ophthalmology program directors across the United States were queried on their perception of resident communication skills training through an online survey. A targeted needs assessment in the form of a narrative exercise captured resident perspectives on communication in ophthalmology from HMS residents. A group of HMS residents participated in the pilot workshop and a pre- and post-survey was administered to participants to assess its effectiveness.& para;& para;RESULTS: The survey of program directors yielded a response rate of 40%. Ninety percent of respondents agreed that the communication skills training in their programs could be improved. Fifteen of 24 residents (62%) completed the needs assessment. Qualitative analysis of the narrative material revealed four themes; (1) differing expectations, (2) work role and environment, (3) challenges specific to ophthalmology, and (4) successful strategies adopted. Nine residents participated in the workshop. There was a significant improvement postworkshop in resident reported scores on their ability to manage their emotions during difficult conversations (p = 0.03).& para;& para;CONCLUSIONS: There is an opportunity to improve communication skills training in ophthalmology residency through formalized curriculum. (C) 2017 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.