Communication Skills Training Research Articles

Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Programs on Crop Productivity in India

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of agricultural extension programs on crop productivity in India. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Agricultural extension programs in India have significantly enhanced crop productivity by providing farmers with access to modern techniques and technologies. Studies indicate that these programs have effectively increased yields by facilitating better pest management, improved seed quality, and efficient water use. However, the effectiveness varies widely depending on the region and the specific crops involved, with some areas showing much greater improvement than others. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Diffusion of innovations theory, theory of planned behavior (TPB) & human capital theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze effectiveness of agricultural extension programs on crop productivity in India. Practically, these recommendations aim to transform the implementation of agricultural extension programs by emphasizing the role of extension agents as both educators and facilitators of change, enhancing their training in both agricultural techniques and effective communication skills. Policies promoting the legal and financial backing for farmer cooperatives and requiring the incorporation of robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks in extension programs are crucial.

A study on the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Scenario Test for people with chronic stroke-induced aphasia: A cross-sectional study.

The Scenario Test is recognised for its effectiveness in assessing the interactive aspects of functional communication in people with post-stroke aphasia (PWA). To develop a Japanese version of the Scenario Test (Scenario Test-JP) and assess its reliability and validity. Among 66 participants, we selected 61 individuals: 34 PWA and 27 healthy controls (HCs). We modified the Scenario Test-JP based on the UK version and subsequently evaluated its reliability (internal consistency, test-retest and intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities) and validity (convergent and discriminant) by comparing PWA and HCs. The Scenario Test-JP showed strong reliability with a Cronbach's α of 0.93, test-retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.97, intra-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.95-1.00, and inter-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.96. The validity of the test was confirmed with concurrent scores ranging from ρ = 0.37 to 0.76 (p < 0.05) and known-groups validity (p < 0.001, r = -0.56). The reliability and validity of the Scenario Test-JP align with those of the original Dutch version and the UK and Greek versions. Additionally, the assessment can now include extended alternative communication methods, such as digital devices, indicating the potential of the Scenario Test-JP for modern Japanese speech-language therapy. What is already known on the subject Interactive communication is a facet of functional communication and is crucial for evaluating engagement and participation of people with aphasia (PWA) in speech-language therapy. The Scenario Test provides valuable information for planning speech-language treatment strategies by assessing dialogic communication. What this study adds This study describes the development of the Scenario Test-JP for use with Japanese speakers and Japanese PWA, which is adapted from the Scenario Test UK version. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of this assessment tool and provided supporting evidence. What are the clinical implications of this work? The reliability and validity of the Scenario Test-JP were consistent with those of the Dutch, UK and Greek versions. The Scenario Test-JP contributes to speech-language therapy in Japan, where high-quality support for the activities and participation of PWA is required. Insights from the Scenario Test The Scenario Test plays a crucial role in evaluating the functional communication skills of people with post-stroke aphasia (PWA). Enhancing functional communication has been linked to improved social engagement among PWA, which in turn influences their overall quality of life (QOL). Issues addressed by the Scenario Test The Scenario Test aids in delineating rehabilitation objectives for activities and participation among PWA, particularly concerning functional communication. The test facilitates tailored support for PWAs' interactive communication and forms the foundation for appropriate speech-language therapy interventions. Transformation of speech-language therapy (SLT) in Japan through the introduction of the Scenario Test-JP The integration of the Scenario Test-JP could enhance the SLT services provided to PWA in Japan. With Japan experiencing an unprecedented ageing population, the prevalence of social isolation and diminished QOL resulting from communication disorders like stroke-induced aphasia is expected to rise. Consequently, the SLT rehabilitation sector in Japan is actively seeking effective interventions to support functional communication among PWA. Hence, the adoption of the Scenario Test-JP is anticipated to streamline the evaluation of functional communication, facilitating the judicious selection and timely provision of assistance to PWA in SLT, including guidance on communication partner support and communication skill training.

Enhancing Quality of Serious Illness Conversations: Is Communication Skills Training a Must?

Enhancing Quality of Serious Illness Conversations: Is Communication Skills Training a Must?

Crisis of Medical Humanity: It Is the Time for a Real Consideration

The medical humanity issue presents a significant obstacle to the healthcare profession, raising concerns about the ethical standards, compassion, and empathy that are vital aspects of patient-centered care. Amidst the prevalence of technological progress and a focus on measurable results, there is a rising apprehension that healthcare providers are becoming increasingly detached from their patients, viewing them as just medical cases rather than individuals who deserve comprehensive care. The erosion of medical humanity not only weakens the bond between patients and healthcare providers but also has consequences for patient outcomes and the overall quality of service. Healthcare organizations must prioritize activities focused on cultivating a culture of empathy, providing training in communication skills, and promoting mindfulness practices among healthcare staff. To tackle this problem and guarantee the provision of compassionate care that respects the dignity and well-being of every patient, we need to shift our attention towards humanistic ideals and recognize the significance of emotional intelligence in medical practice.

Health care providers' communication with pediatric patients and carers: a best practice implementation project.

Health care providers need a high level of communication skills in dealing with pediatric patients and their carers. The objective of this project was to evaluate current practice and implement best practices promoting health care provider communication with pediatric patients and carers in a children's hospital in Tabriz, Iran. This project used the JBI Model of Evidence-Based Healthcare, which guided the conceptualization of evidence implementation, context analysis, project implementation, and evaluation of outcomes using evidence-based quality indicators. An audit and feedback strategy was adopted to measure baseline compliance with best practices, develop strategies to address areas of non-compliance, and conduct a final audit to measure any changes in compliance. Four criteria were developed for the baseline and follow-up audits. Criteria 1 and 2 were evaluated using a sample of 30 health care providers, while Criteria 3 and 4 were evaluated using a sample of 80 pediatric patients and carers. All four criteria improved at the end of the project. Criterion 1 (health care staff receive communication skills training) had the highest mean score at baseline and follow-up (63% and 83%, respectively). Criterion 2 (implementation of local strategies by health care organizations) increased from 45% to 55%. However, this rate of improvement was the lowest of all the criteria. Criterion 3 (pediatric patients receive relevant education) improved from low to moderate, rising from 18% to 49%. A more significant improvement was noted for Criterion 4 (parents receive relevant education), which rose from 19% to 56%. The strategies implemented in this project successfully improved health care provider communication with pediatric patients and their carers. To ensure project sustainability, repeat audits will be conducted after 3, 6, and 12 months. http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A199.

Perception and needs: a qualitative study on sense of job security among nurses in central and western China

AimsTo explore nurses’ perceptions of sense of job security and their needs to improve it.DesignA descriptive qualitative study employed an in-depth, in-person interview from February to April in 2021. The...

Enhancing Oncologists' Comfort with Serious Illness Conversations: The Impact of Serious Illness Conversation Guide (SICG) Training.

Providers oftentimes need to have difficult conversations with patients facing a poor prognosis. Research indicates that providers generally feel ill prepared for these conversations and that bad conversations may lead to more anxiety for patients. Communication skills development training programs have shown improvement in providers' skills. Our cancer center embarked on skills development training to help providers improve their skills and comfort in having serious illness conversations. During our phased approach, about 500 physicians and advanced practice providers in the Division of Oncology were trained for over a year. Their level of comfort with serious illness conversations was measured before and after the training by using both quantitative and qualitative methods. We found that mean and median comfort scores increased from pre-training to post-training. The findings suggest that the improved comfort and confidence observed among providers who undergo communications skills training can lead to better provider-patient communication, more patient-centered care, and improved patient satisfaction.

Maternity healthcare professionals’ experiences of supporting women in decision-making for labour and birth: a qualitative study

ObjectivesTo explore and characterise maternity healthcare professionals’ (MHCPs) experience and practice of shared decision-making (SDM), to inform policy, research and practice development.DesignQualitative focus group study.SettingLarge Maternity Unit in the Southwest...

A CRITICAL INCIDENT ANALYSIS OF PARENT-SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS' CONFLICTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Examining the disputes that arise between parents, teachers, and students is the goal of this study. The study, which was carried out at the primary school level, where parent-child interaction is high, employed the critical incident analysis method. The typical sampling method was used to select participants for the study, and school principals were required to have at least 5 years of managerial experience. As a part of this research, interviews were conducted with 10 elementary school principals working in the Tuzla district of Istanbul. A semi-structured form, prepared by the researchers in consultation with experts, was used as a data collection tool. As a result of the interviews, themes were identified relating to "reasons of conflict," "conflict resolution methods," "end of conflict," and "impact and change of conflict." Effective communication, active listening, valuing others, seeking support, and displaying a firm stance were identified as conflict resolution methods. The conflicts affected school principals emotionally and influenced them to behave more professionally. The study's conclusions include that school principals should receive training in communication skills, have their legal standing reinforced, and become more professional. Given the critical importance of managing conflicts in educational settings, recommendations for researchers are offered.

Telehealth Care Through Internet Hospitals in China: Qualitative Interview Study of Physicians' Views on Access, Expectations, and Communication.

Internet hospitals in China are an emerging medical service model similar to other telehealth models used worldwide. Internet hospitals are currently in a stage of rapid development, giving rise to a series of new opportunities and challenges for patient care. Little research has examined the views of chronic disease physicians regarding internet hospitals in China. We aimed to explore the experience and views of chronic disease physicians at 3 tertiary hospitals in Changsha, China, regarding opportunities and challenges in internet hospital care. We conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with physicians (n=26) who had experience working in internet hospitals affiliated with chronic disease departments in 3 tertiary hospitals in Changsha, Hunan province, south central China. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by content analysis using NVivo software (version 11; Lumivero). Physicians emphasized that internet hospitals expand opportunities to conduct follow-up care and health education for patients with chronic illnesses. However, physicians described disparities in access for particular groups of patients, such as patients who are older, patients with lower education levels, patients with limited internet or technology access, and rural patients. Physicians also perceived a gap between patients' expectations and the reality of limitations regarding both physicians' availability and the scope of services offered by internet hospitals, which raised challenges for doctor-patient boundaries and trust. Physicians noted challenges in doctor-patient communication related to comprehension and informed consent in internet hospital care. This study explored the experience and views of physicians in 3 tertiary hospitals in Changsha, China, regarding access to care, patients' expectations versus the reality of services, and doctor-patient communication in internet hospital care. Findings from this study highlight the need for physician training in telehealth communication skills, legislation regulating informed consent in telehealth care, public education clarifying the scope of internet hospital services, and design of internet hospitals that is informed by the needs of patient groups with barriers to access, such as older adults.

The impact of communication training on the clinical care of hypertension in general practice: a cluster randomized controlled trial in China

BackgroundHypertension is one of the most common chronic diseases with a low control rate globally. The effect of communication skills training contributing to hypertension control remains uncertain. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention based on the Calgary-Cambridge guide in improving hypertensive management.MethodsA cluster randomized controlled trial enrolled 27 general practitioners (GPs) and 540 uncontrolled hypertensive patients attending 6 community health centers in Chengdu, China. GPs allocated to the intervention group were trained by an online communication course and two face-to-face workshops based on Calgary-Cambridge guides. The primary outcome was blood pressure (BP) control rates and reductions in systolic and diastolic BP from baseline to 3 months. The secondary outcome was changes in GPs’ communication skills after one month, patients’ knowledge and satisfaction after 3 months. Bivariate analysis and the regression model assessed whether the health provider training improved outcomes.ResultsAfter the communication training, the BP control rate was significantly higher (57.2% vs. 37.4%, p < 0.001) in the intervention groups. Compared to the control group, there was a significant improvement in GP’s communication skills (13.0 vs 17.5, p < 0.001), hypertensive patients’ knowledge (18.0 vs 20.0, p < 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (139.1 vs 134.7, p < 0.001) after 3 months of follow-up. Random effects least squares regression models showed significant interactions between the intervention group and time period in the change of GP’s communication skills (Parameter Estimated (PE): 0.612, CI:0.310,0.907, p = 0.006), hypertensive patient’s knowledge (PE:0.233, CI: 0.098, 0.514, p < 0.001), satisfaction (PE:0.495, CI: 0.116, 0.706, p = 0.004), SBP (PE:-0.803, CI: -1.327, -0.389, p < 0.001) and DBP (PE:-0.918, CI: -1.694, -0.634, p < 0.001), from baseline to follow-up.ConclusionCommunication training based on the Calgary-Cambridge guide for GPs has shown to be an efficient way in the short term to improve patient-provider communication skills and hypertension outcomes among patients with uncontrolled BPs.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on Chinese Clinical Trials Registry on 2019–04-03. (ChiCTR1900022278).

Образ учителя в немецкоязычном и русскоязычном дискурсе трудоустройства (на материале объявлений о вакансиях)

This article is devoted to a comparative analysis of the representation of the image of a foreign language teacher in the employment discourse in two linguistic cultures. The relevance of the research topic is due to transformations in the educational sphere, the trend towards increasing the importance and prestige of the teaching profession in the Russian society, as well as the need for competent training in intercultural communication skills in the modern world. The purpose of this article is to identify the content components of the teacher’s image and the features of their representation in job advertisement texts. The research material was Russian and German job advertisements for foreign language teachers in the amount of 300 texts. The methodological basis of the study is the cognitive and discursive paradigm. In accordance with the goal, the comparative analysis method was used in the work. The authors believe that in the Russian linguistic culture one can distinguish the image of a secondary school teacher and a teacher or tutor in private schools. Consequently, the content components of the image, which include professional competencies, personal qualities, and working conditions, will differ: a private school teacher is presented as a creative, motivated teacher who is provided with both methodological support and various digital tools. A secondary school teacher is a person who performs not only pedagogical tasks, but also organization and management work. A comparative analysis showed that in the German employment discourse, a teacher is, first of all, a “team player.” The main difference between the images of a teacher represented in German job advertisements is the so-called “gender neutrality”. In the Russian employment discourse, a trend has been noted towards the transition of foreign language teaching to an online format. In the pragmalinguistic aspect, in both linguistic cultures, age restrictions are revealed through an informal address to a potential employee, while in German job advertisements, emotional and evaluative vocabulary explicates the employer’s interest.

Generative Artificial Intelligence as a Tool for Teaching Communication in Nutrition and Dietetics Education-A Novel Education Innovation.

Although effective communication is fundamental to nutrition and dietetics practice, providing novice practitioners with efficacious training remains a challenge. Traditionally, human simulated patients have been utilised in health professions training, however their use and development can be cost and time prohibitive. Presented here is a platform the authors have created that allows students to interact with virtual simulated patients to practise and develop their communication skills. Leveraging the structured incorporation of large language models, it is designed by pedagogical content experts and comprises individual cases based on curricula and student needs. It is targeted towards the practice of rapport building, asking of difficult questions, paraphrasing and mistake making, all of which are essential to learning. Students appreciate the individualised and immediate feedback based on validated communication tools that encourage self-reflection and improvement. Early trials have shown students are enthusiastic about this platform, however further investigations are required to determine its impact as an experiential communication skills tool. This platform harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to bridge the gap between theory and practice in communication skills training, requiring significantly reduced costs and resources than traditional simulated patient encounters.

Structured Exposure Achieves High Acceptance of Immersive Technology Among Medical Students and Educators.

Virtual reality (VR) is a potent educational tool with untapped potential in medical training. However, its integration into medical schools faces challenges such as cybersickness and hesitancy among medical students and professionals. Notably, there has been no systematic assessment of the acceptance of medical educational VR applications by both students and educators. In our single-center study, we enrolled 133 medical students and 14 medical educators. Following a practical demonstration of the established VR anatomy application, Sharecare YOU VR, participants completed a self-reporting survey based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), exploring user acceptance of information technologies and focusing on perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEU), and attitude toward using (ATU). We also sought insights into potential future applications of VR in medical education. Our findings indicate a high level of acceptance among medical students and educators upon structured exposure to VR with significantly positive responses for all three TAM variables (PU, PEU, and ATU). Intriguingly, hands-on experience influenced acceptance. Students envisioned VR's benefits in anatomy, surgery, emergency medicine, and communication skill training with patients. Both students and educators believed that VR could enhance traditional approaches and complement the existing curriculum, anticipating improved preparedness for medical students through VR training applications. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the receptivity of both students and educators to immersive technologies, including VR, in medical education. Importantly, the data suggest that the adoption of VR in this field would be welcomed rather than resisted, potentially enhancing students' self-efficacy and enriching the medical school curriculum.

Using decision support tools for treatment decision making about antidepressants in outpatient psychiatric consultations

ObjectiveTo examine the use of decision support tools in decision making about antidepressants during conversations between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and their psychiatrists. MethodsTheme-oriented discourse analysis of two psychiatric consultation groups: control (n = 17) and intervention (n = 16). In the control group, only a doctor’s conversation guide was used; in the intervention group, the conversation guide and a patient decision aid (PDA) were used. ResultsPsychiatrists mainly dominated conversations in both consultation groups. They were less likely to elicit patient treatment-related perspectives in the intervention group as they focused more on delivering the information than obtaining patient perspectives. However, using PDA in the intervention group slightly encouraged patients to participate in decisional talk. ConclusionThe decision support tools did promote SDM performance. Using the conversation guide in both consultation groups encouraged the elicitation of patient perspectives, which helped the psychiatrists in tailoring their recommendations of options based on patient preferences and concerns. Using the PDA in the intervention group created space for treatment discussion and fostered active collaboration in treatment decision making. Practice ImplicationsOur findings have implications for SDM communication skills training and critical reflection on SDM practice.

A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Effect of Communication Skill Training on Nursing Students' Skills and Self-Efficacy in Caring for Patients with Cancer: Part II

Abstract Background Health care professionals working in the field of oncology have reported difficulty communicating with patients and their families throughout diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. As it comes to the care and treatment of the patient as well as their feelings of uncertainty about the future, nurses on the treatment team are crucial in offering patients and their families both practical and emotional support. By offering specialized training in communication skills, health care providers—including undergraduate health care students and interns—can strengthen their relationship with patients. Objectives The main objectives of the study were to assess the effect of communication skill training on the skills and self-efficacy of undergraduate nursing students in providing care to patients with cancer. Materials and Methods A quasi-experimental research design was adopted to evaluate the effect of skill training on the skills and self-efficacy of students. A total of 32 students from selected nursing colleges were chosen using a purposive sampling technique, and the lottery method was employed to assign students to the intervention and control groups. A baseline pro forma, basic communication skills checklist, and self-efficacy questionnaire (SE-12) were the instruments used for data collection. Using SPSS version 26, descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data. Results The majority of the students in both the intervention group (81.25%) and the control group (75%) were between the ages of 20 and 21. Scores on communication skills pretest, posttest 1, and posttest 2 within and between groups all showed highly significant differences (p = 0.000). The self-efficacy scores of the intervention group students significantly improved (p = 0.000). Conclusion The skill training program has enhanced the students' competency to communicate and their sense of self-efficacy in offering care for cancer patients. Health care professionals will help patients and their families take an informed and involved role in their own cancer care if they devote the resources to training, particularly prospective students, in this basic clinical competence.

Communication skills training: a quantitative systematic review

Purpose Organizational leaders value effective communication in employees, but ineffective communication persists (Peart, 2019). Communication Skills Training (CST) programs often face time and engagement constraints (Wright et al., 2006), necessitating increased resources for improvement. This study investigates the fields in which communication skills are examined and the research methods used. Given past training-communication associations, it explores CST programs' positive impact through experimental research (Bakker &amp; van Wingerden, 2021). The study aims to enhance CST research by providing insights into effective training methods for facilitators and practitioners. Design/methodology/approach This systematic literature review examines CST's effectiveness in improving employee communication outcomes and identifying key factors. It highlights the importance of communication training, provides insights into existing research, and identifies areas for future investigation. As communication training is not context-specific, a comprehensive understanding of its effectiveness is necessary. This review establishes a foundational framework to support the creation of impactful training programs. Findings This research reaffirms the importance of Communication Skills Training (CST) in enhancing key competencies such as communication competence, self-efficacy, and empathy for workplace success, benefiting collaboration, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. It provides a foundational understanding of CST's impact, serving as a resource for researchers, trainers, and leaders, while also emphasizing the need for further research, including larger experiments, diverse skill sets, and long-term assessment. In our digital age, exploring contemporary skills, including digital communication, is essential for comprehensive training. The systematic categorization of skills into intrapersonal and interactional dimensions ensures consistency and supports in-depth analysis. Originality/value To address the broad range, outcome skills were categorized as intrapersonal or interactional, excluding the behavioral aspect concerning societal improvement. Leveraging Zimmerman's (1995) empowerment theory to enhance focus, this framework provides value for diverse CST research outcomes. Intrapersonal encompassed self-views, like self-efficacy and knowledge, while interactional involved understanding and aligning exchanges with personal goals. This categorization enhances research clarity and effectiveness by systematically understanding how these skills are related.

The mental health and well-being implications of a mesothelioma diagnosis: A mixed methods study

PurposeMesothelioma is an incurable, asbestos-related cancer with a poor prognosis. There is scant evidence about the mental health and well-being impacts on patients and carers living with the illness. This study aimed to investigate mesothelioma's impact on mental health and well-being and the scale of mental health conditions in patients and informal carers. MethodsA mixed-methods design was used: a cross-sectional survey of mesothelioma patients and informal carers plus semi-structured interviews with patients and carers. The survey used validated scales collecting data on mental health aspects of mesothelioma: the EQ5D to assess health-related quality-of-life; the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale; the PCL-5 to assess Posttraumatic Stress; and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory. The datasets were integrated during analysis. Results96 useable survey responses were received. A clinical level of depression was reported by 29 participants (30.21%), of anxiety by 48 (50%), of posttraumatic distress disorder by 32 (33.33%), and of posttraumatic growth by 34 (35.42%). Carers had worse scores than patients. Three main themes were developed from interviews with 10 patients and 11 carers: ‘Prognosis’, ‘Support from services’, and ‘Social connections and communication’. ConclusionsHealthcare professionals delivering a mesothelioma diagnosis require regular training in communication skills plus updating in current treatment options, so they provide an appropriate mix of realism and hope. Better signposting to mental health support is needed for patients and carers. Our introduction of posttraumatic growth into the mesothelioma literature is novel. We recommend specialist nurses are trained to recognise, understand, and foster posttraumatic growth.

The Impact of Health Communication Research on Medical and Health Professional Education and Training

ABSTRACT In this essay, we review how health communication scholarship has been translated into various communication skills trainings (CSTs), we present four case studies of how health communication research informed the development and implementation of specific CSTs, and we reflect on how we can productively define “impact” in looking back as well as looking forward within this line of research.

Exploring Attitudes toward Communication Skills Training and Their Impact on Patient-Centeredness among Medical Students in Sri Lanka: A Cross-Sectional Study

Exploring Attitudes toward Communication Skills Training and Their Impact on Patient-Centeredness among Medical Students in Sri Lanka: A Cross-Sectional Study