Videotaped Unannounced Standardized Patient Encounters to Evaluate Interpersonal and Communication Skills in Emergency Medicine Residents. Issue 4 (15th November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chung, Arlene S.; Bogoch, Sally; Mody, Shivani; Smith, Colleen; Pushkar, Illya; Drapkin, Jefferson; Saloum, David
• Editors: Coates, Wendy C.
• Is Part Of: AEM education and training. Volume 4:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 419
• Page End: 422
• Publication Date: 2019-11-15
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Emergency medicine -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.025
• DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10401
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2472-5390

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Communication and interpersonal skills are important for effective patient care but are difficult to measure. Unannounced standardized patient encounters (USPEs) have the benefit of providing a standardized situation and provide a representation of usual care rather than best behavior, while also allowing for video recording without violating patient privacy. We conducted a feasibility pilot study to examine the use of videotaped USPEs in resident education of interpersonal and communication skills and specifically empathy. Methods: This was a pilot study conducted at an urban community teaching hospital. About 16 first‐year emergency medicine engaged in four videotaped USPEs during their normal clinical shifts during 1 academic year. All visible recording equipment was concealed from the residents. The standardized patients completed two assessment forms after each encounter to measure empathy. Results: All 16 residents engaged in four videotaped USPEs for a total of 64 encounters. Conclusions: We were able to successfully demonstrate the feasibility of using USPEs for assessment of resident interpersonal and communication skills.