Using a computer simulation for teaching communication skills: A blinded multisite mixed methods randomized controlled trial |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of medicine, Brigham and Women''s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA;2. Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA;3. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC |
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Abstract: | ObjectivesTo assess advanced communication skills among second-year medical students exposed either to a computer simulation (MPathic-VR) featuring virtual humans, or to a multimedia computer-based learning module, and to understand each group’s experiences and learning preferences.MethodsA single-blinded, mixed methods, randomized, multisite trial compared MPathic-VR (N = 210) to computer-based learning (N = 211). Primary outcomes: communication scores during repeat interactions with MPathic-VR’s intercultural and interprofessional communication scenarios and scores on a subsequent advanced communication skills objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to compare outcomes. Secondary outcomes: student attitude surveys and qualitative assessments of their experiences with MPathic-VR or computer-based learning.ResultsMPathic-VR-trained students improved their intercultural and interprofessional communication performance between their first and second interactions with each scenario. They also achieved significantly higher composite scores on the OSCE than computer-based learning-trained students. Attitudes and experiences were more positive among students trained with MPathic-VR, who valued its providing immediate feedback, teaching nonverbal communication skills, and preparing them for emotion-charged patient encounters.ConclusionsMPathic-VR was effective in training advanced communication skills and in enabling knowledge transfer into a more realistic clinical situation.Practice implicationsMPathic-VR’s virtual human simulation offers an effective and engaging means of advanced communication training. |
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Keywords: | Simulation Computer simulation Computer-based conversational agent Healthcare communication Doctor-patient relationship Communication training Intelligent tutoring systems Knowledge transfer Training transfer Nonverbal communication Inter-professional communication Intercultural communication Cultural competence Human-computer interaction Breaking bad news Virtual Human Reflection on action Reflection in action Mindful practice Mixed methods research |
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