Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-25-2016
Description
Objective. To evaluate the impact of an interprofessional blended learning course on medical and pharmacy students’ patient-centered interpersonal communication skills and to compare precourse and postcourse communication skills across first-year medical and second-year pharmacy student cohorts.
Methods. Students completed ten 1-hour online modules and participated in five 3-hour group sessions over one semester. Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) were administered before and after the course and were evaluated using the validated Common Ground Instrument. Nonparametric statistical tests were used to examine pre/postcourse domain scores within and across professions.
Results. Performance in all communication skill domains increased significantly for all students. No additional significant pre/postcourse differences were noted across disciplines.
Conclusion. Students’ patient-centered interpersonal communication skills improved across multiple domains using a blended learning educational platform. Interview abilities were embodied similarly between medical and pharmacy students postcourse, suggesting both groups respond well to this form of instruction.
Citation Information
Hess, Rick; Hagemeier, Nicholas E.; Blackwelder, Reid; Rose, Daniel; Ansari, Nasar; and Branham, Tandy. 2016. Teaching Communication Skills to Medical and Pharmacy Students Through a Blended Learning Course. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education. Vol.80(4). https://doi.org/10.5688/ajpe80464 ISSN: 0002-9459
Included in
Health Communication Commons, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons
Copyright Statement
© Copyright American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education. This document was originally published in American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education.