Simulation-based education to improve communication skills

Good communication between healthcare professionals and between healthcare professionals and patients is important in delivering high-quality care. Effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients improves patients’ outcomes. Communication failure among healthcare professionals is reported to be the major contributing factor in >50% of ‘never-events’ involving patients.
The evidence found in this study suggests a model for SBE aimed at teaching communication skills that is informed by the current evidence and takes into account the need to collect higher-level outcome data.

Blackmore A, Kasfiki EV, Purva M., Simulation-based education to improve communication skills: a systematic review and identification of current best practice. BMJ Simulation and Technology Enhanced Learning Published Online First: 13 October 2017. doi: 10.1136/bmjstel-2017-000220