Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-1-2014

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Using Skype and remote standardized patients (RSPs), investigators sought to evaluate user acceptance of a web-based objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) among resident physicians.

METHODS: After participating in four web-based clinical encounters addressing pain with RSPs, 59 residents from different training programs, disciplines and geographic locations completed a 52-item questionnaire regarding their experience with Skype and RSPs. Open-ended responses were solicited as well.

RESULTS: The majority of participants (97%) agreed or strongly agreed the web-based format was convenient and a practical learning exercise, and 90% agreed or strongly agreed the format was effective in teaching communication skills. Although 93% agreed or strongly agreed they could communicate easily with RSPs using Skype, 80% preferred traditional face-to-face clinical encounters, and 58% reported technical difficulties during the encounters. Open-ended written responses supported survey results.

CONCLUSION: Findings from this study expose challenges with technology and human factors, but positive experiences support the continued investigation of web-based OSCEs as a synchronous e-learning initiative for teaching and assessing doctor-patient communication. Such educational programs are valuable but unlikely to replace face-to-face encounters with patients.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This web-based OSCE program provides physician learners with additional opportunity to improve doctor-patient communication.

Publication Title

Patient Education and Counseling

Volume

96

Issue

1

First Page

55

Last Page

62

PubMed ID

24857330

Comments

This is the authors' final version prior to publication (post-print).

This published version is available in Patient Education and Counseling, May 5, 2014, Pages S0738-3991(14)00177-3.

The published version is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2014.04.016

Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V

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