NeoAct: A Randomized Prospective Pilot Study on Communication Skill Training of Neonatologists.

Katharina Bibl,Peter Gröpel,Michael Wagner,Sabrina Wimmer,Birgit Hladschik-Kermer,Philipp Steinbauer,Monika Olischar,Angelika Berger

doi:10.3389/fped.2021.675742

Abstract

Background: This randomized interventional study evaluated the impact of a 1-day experiential communication skills training on neonatologists' performance in doctor-parents-communication.Methods: 17 neonatologists with different levels of professional experience from the Medical University of Vienna were randomized into one of two study groups: The intervention group (IG) as opposed to the control group (CG) participated in a 1-day experiential communication training. Eight weeks after the training, participants' communication skills were assessed during an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Neonatologists were assessed in a simulated conversation by how effectively they performed when conveying complex health-related information to parents of ill infants. Participants in the control group (CG) were assessed first during the OSCE and received their communication training later on. Self-assessment questionnaires before and after the workshop and OSCE were completed.Results: The study determined that neonatologists in the IG subjectively perceived that their competence level regarding their communication skills had increased after the workshop, while this was not reflected by their performance during the OSCE assessment.Discussion: A 1-day experiential communication skills training significantly increased physicians' self-evaluation concerning their communicative competence. This perceived competence did not manifest itself in increased communication skills during the OSCE.Conclusion: Repeated training is needed.

Highlights

Communication with parents of critically ill newborn or premature infants is a challenging task, even for experienced physicians
The study determined that neonatologists in the intervention group (IG) subjectively perceived that their competence level regarding their communication skills had increased after the workshop, while this was not reflected by their performance during the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) assessment
Previous studies have shown that communication skills represent an essential core skill of clinical competence for healthcare providers [1]

Summary

Introduction

Communication with parents of critically ill newborn or premature infants is a challenging task, even for experienced physicians. Communicative skills of neonatologists have direct implications for parental satisfaction with the proposed treatment [2]. These communicative skills are associated with reduced emotional stress levels in parents in terms of fears and insecurities during the infant’s hospitalization [3, 4]. A lack of communicative competence promotes frustration, distress, may lead to job dissatisfaction among healthcare providers and is associated with a greater risk of experiencing burnout [2]. This randomized interventional study evaluated the impact of a 1-day experiential communication skills training on neonatologists’ performance in doctor-parents-communication

Methods

Results

Conclusion