[Consultation skills training is necessary in medical education. Evaluation by student questionnaire and focus group interviews]

Abstract

At Lund University Medical School communication skills are taught during both the preclinical and clinical part of the medical programme. As part of the training during the 5th year the students are required to videotape at least one patient consultation at a local primary health care centre. The students then meet in groups of 6-7 participants and a group leader to watch the recorded consultations and discuss them. To evaluate the quality of the consultation skills training and to identify potential weaknesses, we used both a quantitative and a qualitative method. A written questionnaire was distributed to all students and three focus group interviews, two with students and one with group leaders, were performed. The focus groups consisted of 5-6 participants each. The students were overall pleased with the training, and the majority thought that their consultation skills had improved. More commitment from the tutors at the health care centres was needed in order for the students to successfully record a complete consultation. Nearly all students found that the participants cooperated well in the groups, and that the group leader helped to create a positive atmosphere and gave constructive advice.