Communication Skills Training for Residents: Which Variables Predict Learning of Skills?

Objective: This study aimed to determine variables associated (predictors and correlates) with the learning of assess-ment and supportive skills in the context of a communication skills training for medical residents. Methods: Learning was measured by comparing residents ’ communication skills in a simulated consultation before and after a communica-tion skills training. Communication skills were transcribed and tagged with a computer-assisted program. Potential va-riables associated with learning (residents ’ characteristics, contextual characteristics and pre-training communication skills) were measured before the training and entered in regression analysis. Results: Fifty-six residents followed the training between 2002 and 2006. Poor pre-training assessment and supportive skills predicted the respective learning of these skills. Better assessment skills ’ learning was predicted by copings (i.e. lower level of emotional coping), lower levels of self-efficacy and depersonalization. Better supportive skills ’ learning was predicted by a lower work experi-ence and associated with a higher training attendance rate. Conclusions: Predictors and correlates of assessment and supportive skills learning were different. Trainers needed to detect certain residents ’ characteristics (i.e. depersonaliza-tion) in order to optimize assessment skills learning. Trainers needed to be aware that supportive skills are difficult t