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Scientific article
English

Clinical supervisors' perceived needs for teaching communication skills in clinical practice

Contributors

Junod Perron, Noëlle Astrid; Sommer, Johanna Maria; Hudelson Perneger, Patricia Martha; Demaurex-Meid, Florence; Luthy, Christophe; Louis Simonet, Martine; Nendaz, Mathieu; De Grave, Willem; Dolmans, Diana; van der Vleuten, Cees

Published in

Medical teacher, vol. 31, no. 7, p. e316-322

Publication date

2009

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Lack of faculty training is often cited as the main obstacle to post-graduate teaching in communication skills. Aims: To explore clinical supervisors' needs and perceptions regarding their role as communication skills trainers. METHODS: Four focus group discussions were conducted with clinical supervisors from two in-patient and one out-patient medical services from the Geneva University Hospitals. Focus groups were audio taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed in a thematic way using Maxqda software for qualitative data analysis. RESULTS: Clinical supervisors said that they frequently addressed communication issues with residents but tended to intervene as rescuers, clinicians or coaches rather than as formal instructors. They felt their own training did not prepare them to teach communication skills. Other barriers to teach communication skills include lack of time, competing demands, lack of interest and experience on the part of residents, and lack of institutional priority given to communication issues. Respondents expressed a desire for experiential and reflective training in a work-based setting and emphasised the need for a non-judgmental learning atmosphere. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that organisational priorities, culture and climate strongly influence the degree to which clinical supervisors may feel comfortable to teach communication skills to residents. Attention must be given to these contextual factors in the development of an effective communication skills teaching program for clinical supervisors.

Keywords

  • Administrative Personnel/psychology
  • Communication
  • Focus Groups
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency
  • Professional Competence
  • Professional Role
  • Teaching

UNIGE affiliation entities

UNIGE research groups

Citation (ISO format)

JUNOD PERRON, Noëlle Astrid et al. Clinical supervisors” perceived needs for teaching communication skills in clinical practice. In: Medical teacher, 2009, vol. 31, n° 7, p. e316–322. doi: 10.1080/01421590802638006

Main files (1)

Article (Published version)

Identifiers

Journal ISSN

0142-159X
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Technical informations

Creation

10/02/2010 12:37:00

First validation

10/02/2010 12:37:00

Update

14/03/2023 15:24:09

Status update

14/03/2023 15:24:08

Last indexation

29/10/2024 13:00:51
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