Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Abstract
Background: To have high‑quality primary health care services, an adequate doctor–patient
communication is necessary. Because of time restrictions and limited budget in health system,
an effective, feasible, and continuous training approach is important. The aim of this study is
to assess the appropriateness of a communication skills training program simultaneously with
routine programs of health care system. Materials and Methods: It was a randomized field
trial in two health network settings during 2013. Twenty‑eight family physicians through simple
random sampling and 140 patients through convenience sampling participated as intervention
and control group. The physicians in the intervention group (n = 14) attended six educational
sessions, simultaneous organization meeting, with case discussion and peer education method.
In both the groups, physicians completed communication skills knowledge and attitude
questionnaires, and patients completed patient satisfaction of medical interview questionnaire
at baseline, immediately after intervention, and four months postintervention. Physicians and
health network administrators (stakeholders), completed a set of program evaluation forms.
Descriptive statistics and Chi‑square test, t‑test, and repeated measure analysis of variance
were used to analyze the data. Results: Use of routine program as a strategy of training was
rated by stakeholders highly on “feasibility” (80.5%), “acceptability” (93.5%), “educational
content and method appropriateness” (80.75%), and “ability to integrating in the health
system programs” (approximate 60%). Significant improvements were found in physicians’
knowledge (P < 0.001), attitude (P < 0.001), and patients› satisfaction (P = 0.002) in intervention
group. Conclusions: Communication skills training program, simultaneous organization meeting
was successfully implemented and well received by stakeholders, without considering extra time
and manpower. Therefore it can be a valuable opportunity toward communication skills training.
Keywords
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