Abstract Details

Title Communication Skills in Child Neurology Residency: an OSCE Pilot

Topic Research Methodology, �鶹��ýӳ��, and History

Presentation(s) P7 - Poster Session 7 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 13-013

Objective To implement observed structured clinical exams (OSCE) for child neurology residents that provide formative feedback regarding communication skills.

Background Effective communication skills are essential to the practice of medicine and are highly valued by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical �鶹��ýӳ�� (ACGME) as an important component of graduate medical education. Communication is a teachable skill but ways to formally assess communication are limited. OSCEs are a reliable, valid and time-tested method to assess trainees’ communication skills. OSCEs have been used for medical students on neurology clerkships and within adult neurology residencies, but have not been described in child neurology residency.

Design/Methods We developed nine OSCE cases which highlighted challenges to effective physician-patient communication commonly encountered by child neurologists. Residents participated in nine OSCE cases over three consecutive academic years. Professional actors were instructed in the portrayal of patients and/or their parents. Faculty members observed residents interacting with these standardized patients and completed the Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist-Adapted, a validated instrument used in medical education to assess communication skills. Actors also rated resident performance regarding communication skills and provided direct feedback after completion of the case. Each year, residents, actors and observing faculty members provided feedback regarding the experience.

Results We refined the process of case writing, actor training and resident evaluation over the course of a three-year pilot. Residents reported that cases were challenging but reflective of real life and that the experience was valuable in helping them refine their communication skills. Faculty raters reported that resident skills in the OSCE lab were reflective of clinical performance on ACGME’s milestones related to professionalism and communication.

Conclusions OSCEs provide a standardized setting for formative feedback regarding communication skills that child neurology residency programs can utilize. Specific challenges to their implementation will be discussed.

Authors/Disclosures
Margie A. Ream, MD, PhD, F�鶹��ýӳ�� (Nationwide Children'S Hospital/The Ohio State University) PRESENTER	Dr. Ream has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Bluebird Bio. Dr. Ream has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as an officer or member of the Board of Directors for United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties. Dr. Ream has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett, P.A. . Dr. Ream has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Evidence Review Group member with Health Resources and Services Administration. Dr. Ream has received personal compensation in the range of $0-$499 for serving as a Organizational representative with Child Neurology Society.
Pedro Weisleder, MD, PhD, F�鶹��ýӳ�� (Nationwide Children'S Hospital)	Dr. Weisleder has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Elsevier .
Dara V. Albert, DO, F�鶹��ýӳ�� (Nationwide Children's Hospital)	Dr. Albert has nothing to disclose.