Dataset Information

Using a computer simulation for teaching communication skills: A blinded multisite mixed methods randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To 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.

Methods

A 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.

Results

MPathic-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.

Conclusions

MPathic-VR was effective in training advanced communication skills and in enabling knowledge transfer into a more realistic clinical situation.

Practice implications

MPathic-VR's virtual human simulation offers an effective and engaging means of advanced communication training.

SUBMITTER: Kron FW

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5385273 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Using a computer simulation for teaching communication skills: A blinded multisite mixed methods randomized controlled trial.

Kron Frederick W FW Fetters Michael D MD Scerbo Mark W MW White Casey B CB Lypson Monica L ML Padilla Miguel A MA Gliva-McConvey Gayle A GA Belfore Lee A LA West Temple T Wallace Amelia M AM Guetterman Timothy C TC Schleicher Lauren S LS Kennedy Rebecca A RA Mangrulkar Rajesh S RS Cleary James F JF Marsella Stacy C SC Becker Daniel M DM

Patient education and counseling 20161029 4

<h4>Objectives</h4>To 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.<h4>Methods</h4>A 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 w ...[more]

PMID: 27939846

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Dataset Information

Using a computer simulation for teaching communication skills: A blinded multisite mixed methods randomized controlled trial.

Objectives

Methods

Secondary outcomes

Results

Conclusions

Practice implications

Publications

Using a computer simulation for teaching communication skills: A blinded multisite mixed methods randomized controlled trial.

Similar Datasets

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