The advanced clinical skills program in medical interviewing: a block curriculum for residents in medicine.

Abstract

This study sought to demonstrate whether an intensive block curriculum would lead to learning of basic medical interviewing skills by first year residents in medicine. Pairs of brief clinical interviews done before and after a four week block program in medical interviewing were rated using the Rhode Island Hospital Interview Checklist (RIC). The data were analyzed using the McNemar Test to look for possible improvement following the course. Of the nineteen categories measured, fourteen showed statistically significant improvement (p < .05) in Year 1 and twelve in Year 2. Combining the data for the two years gave statistically significant results in sixteen of the nineteen categories. An intensive block curriculum in medical interviewing led to a significant degree of learning of basic skills by first year medical residents as judged by interviews done at the end of the block. The intensive approach also allowed for a degree of personal growth and solidification of identity as a physician. These factors can be expected to influence interviewing proficiency as well.