Dataset Information

Initial construct validity evidence of a virtual human application for competency assessment in breaking bad news to a cancer patient.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite interest in using virtual humans (VHs) for assessing health care communication, evidence of validity is limited. We evaluated the validity of a VH application, MPathic-VR, for assessing performance-based competence in breaking bad news (BBN) to a VH patient.

Methods

We used a two-group quasi-experimental design, with residents participating in a 3-hour seminar on BBN. Group A (n=15) completed the VH simulation before and after the seminar, and Group B (n=12) completed the VH simulation only after the BBN seminar to avoid the possibility that testing alone affected performance. Pre- and postseminar differences for Group A were analyzed with a paired t-test, and comparisons between Groups A and B were analyzed with an independent t-test.

Results

Compared to the preseminar result, Group A's postseminar scores improved significantly, indicating that the VH program was sensitive to differences in assessing performance-based competence in BBN. Postseminar scores of Group A and Group B were not significantly different, indicating that both groups performed similarly on the VH program.

Conclusion

Improved pre-post scores demonstrate acquisition of skills in BBN to a VH patient. Pretest sensitization did not appear to influence posttest assessment. These results provide initial construct validity evidence that the VH program is effective for assessing BBN performance-based communication competence.

SUBMITTER: Guetterman TC

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5536229 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Initial construct validity evidence of a virtual human application for competency assessment in breaking bad news to a cancer patient.

Guetterman Timothy C TC Kron Frederick W FW Campbell Toby C TC Scerbo Mark W MW Zelenski Amy B AB Cleary James F JF Fetters Michael D MD

Advances in medical education and practice 20170725

<h4>Background</h4>Despite interest in using virtual humans (VHs) for assessing health care communication, evidence of validity is limited. We evaluated the validity of a VH application, MPathic-VR, for assessing performance-based competence in breaking bad news (BBN) to a VH patient.<h4>Methods</h4>We used a two-group quasi-experimental design, with residents participating in a 3-hour seminar on BBN. Group A (n=15) completed the VH simulation before and after the seminar, and Group B (n=12) com ...[more]

PMID: 28794664

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Project description:IntroductionBreaking bad news is a difficult skill that can elicit significant distress among learners. As such, it is important for learners to practice this skill in a controlled environment, which affords time to address any distress that arises and the opportunity to receive supportive feedback on performance. This breaking bad news module was designed for preclerkship students with previous training in basic communication skills and served as capstone to the preclerkship portion of the communication skills curriculum.MethodsThe small-group session was delivered to groups of 10-12 students and facilitated by a faculty member with expertise in communication skills. The small-group session included approximately 60 minutes of didactics and discussion, followed by a 30-minute faculty demonstration with simulated patients (SPs). Learners then had 30 minutes to practice with the SPs and received constructive feedback from the SPs and the faculty facilitator. Approximately 1 week following the small-group module, learners participated in an individual encounter with an SP and were assessed on physical examination skills and communication skills. Learners received detailed evaluations and feedback on breaking bad news skills from the SPs. Finally, learners had individual feedback meetings with their faculty facilitator, who reviewed the videotaped encounters, focusing on performance and experience of breaking bad news to the SP.ResultsIn the 2015-2016 academic year, 217 medical students participated in this module. Learners demonstrated proficiency in the physical exam skills with 90% of learners asking about 5/8 components of the presenting complaint and 85% performing 5/8 physical exam maneuvers correctly. Similarly learners demonstrated expected levels of competence in interpersonal and communication skills.DiscussionThis learning exercise provided training in a critical communication skill but also supplied a framework for assessing and responding to personal and patient distress.

Project description:Objective• Neurology trainees and program directors recognized a lack of structured breaking bad news training. • Program directors reported that many factors hinder the implementation of breaking bad news education. • Trainees felt capable of breaking bad news, but most did not have lectures, simulations, nor feedback. • Trainees acknowledged negative feelings when breaking bad news, including sadness and helplessness. We aimed to evaluate how breaking bad news training was implemented in neurology residency programs in Brazil and to assess the perception and preparedness of trainees and program directors.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional descriptive study. Neurology trainees and program directors were recruited from the Brazilian Academy of Neurology registry through convenience sampling. Participants answered a survey evaluating the breaking bad news training at their institution and their preparedness and perception towards the topic.ResultsWe collected 172 responses from 47 neurology institutions from all five socio-demographic regions of Brazil. More than 77% of trainees were dissatisfied with their breaking bad news training, and around 92% of program directors believed their programs required substantial improvement. Approximately 31% of neurology trainees reported never having a lecture about communicating bad news, 66% reported never having a simulated training, and nearly 61% never received feedback regarding their communication abilities. Moreover, 59% of program directors acknowledged that feedback was not a standard practice and nearly 32% reported the absence of any specific training.ConclusionThis study suggested that the breaking bad news training in neurology residencies across Brazil is deficient and highlighted challenges to achieve this core competency. Program directors and trainees recognized the importance of the topic, and program directors acknowledged that many factors hinder the ability to implement formal training. Given the relevance of such a skill to patient care, every effort should be made to provide structured training opportunities during residency.

Dataset Information

Initial construct validity evidence of a virtual human application for competency assessment in breaking bad news to a cancer patient.

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Initial construct validity evidence of a virtual human application for competency assessment in breaking bad news to a cancer patient.

Similar Datasets

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