Teaching and learning of communication skills through video consultations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE : To help students leam communication skills in a family practice setting through viewing of live video consultations critique of communication skills during a videotape replay of consultations METHOD : The University Family Medicine Clinic at the Faculty of Medicine, University Kelaniya provides the setting for learning of communication skills by third year medical students. During the two week Family Medicine attachment to this clinic, teaching and learning takes place through small group work and video consu Itations. The consultation between the family physician teacher and the patient from whom prior consent has been obtained is viewed live by 14 - 15 students in an adjacent seminar room. After observing a few such consultation's, the students in turn, practice communication skills by talking to patients while the consultation is video taped. The students whose consultation has been recorded on video has it replayed in the presence of the teacher and peers. A self-critique and constructive feedback by the group helps the student to learn from the strengths and weaknesses of his skills in communication. Learning through role pay by the students acting as the patient and doctor is dealt with a similar manner. RESULTS : At the end of appointment evaluation, the students rated this as the most preferred learning and teaching method(78%). Consent was refused by only two patients. CONCLUSION : This modern teaching and learning method which promotes active learning in a non threatening and supportive environment is interesting and suitable to use in the Sri Lankan context.