Medical students' concerns about communicating with patients

Abstract

Background: Only limited information is available on students' concerns regarding communication with patients. SAMPLE AND DESIGN: A total of 16 concerns regarding communicating with patients were rated by 179 third-year medical students, before the students had any contact with patients and before communication skills teaching had begun. At the end of the term, the ratings were collected again from 139 of the students. The concerns were derived from the list by Cohen-Cole and from a previous pilot study.

Results: All concerns diminished significantly by the end of the term, but their order remained similar. At both time points, concerns about dealing with patients who are in pain or show strong negative emotions received the highest ratings.

Conclusion: Communication skills courses need to focus on helping students to cope with distressed patients.