Self-Assessment Tool for Communication Skills in Medical Residents
Author Information
Author(s): Andrew B. Symons, Andrews Swanson, Denise McGuigan, Susan Orrange, Elie Akl
Primary Institution: University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Hypothesis
Can residents accurately self-assess their communication skills and professionalism using a modified questionnaire?
Conclusion
The study found that the modified self-assessment tool is reliable for evaluating residents' communication skills and professionalism.
Supporting Evidence
- The tool showed high internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.86.
- Factor analysis revealed two main components of professionalism.
- Males rated their communication skills higher than females.
- International graduates rated themselves better at listening than U.S. graduates.
- Surgical residents rated themselves higher in discussing options with patients.
Takeaway
This study created a questionnaire to help medical residents check how good they are at talking to patients and being professional.
Methodology
Residents completed a modified version of the ABIM Patient Assessment survey, followed by statistical analyses including factor analysis and reliability testing.
Potential Biases
Self-assessment may lead to inflated perceptions of competence, particularly among those performing poorly.
Limitations
Self-assessment may not accurately reflect actual performance and could be influenced by social desirability bias.
Participant Demographics
{"female":51,"male":79,"post_graduation_year":{"year_1":30,"year_2":42,"year_3":30,"year_4":14,"greater_than_year_4":14},"medical_degree":{"us_graduates":61,"international_graduates":69},"residency_type":{"surgical":44,"non_surgical":85}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Confidence Interval
± 0.14
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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