The effect of communication skills training on patient-pharmacist communication in pharmacy education: a meta-analysis

Abstract

Communication skills in pharmacy education and practice are increasingly regarded as a crucial component. However, thus far, estimating of the overall communication skills training (CST) effects in a variety of outcomes is lacking. The aim of this study was to synthesize the effects of CST in pharmacy education by performing a meta-analysis of CST studies. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, ERIC, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Communication and Mass Media Complete (CMMC), key journals, and bibliographic databases. The effect sizes (ESs) were extracted and pooled in random effects meta-analyses. We assessed the quality of the study using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). From 34,737 articles, 9 studies were included in this meta-analysis. The overall effect size for CST was 0.611 (95% CI 0.327-0.895), and it was statistically significant (p = 0.000). We found based on the subgroup analyses that CST has a large effect size when it used stand-alone courses, lecture-lab based courses, video recordings, feedback, training for 2 or more semesters, hours per week ≥5 h and external assessments. For the CST effect, the effect sizes were ranked in order of confidence, knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The result of the meta-regression is that the total number of attendees is significantly negatively correlated with the effect sizes of the CST. The findings of the present meta-analysis provide evidence that CST in pharmacy education may act as an efficient way to improve the communication competency of students, and it may serve as a guide for pharmacy educators.

Design of a Pharmacy Curriculum on Patient Centered Communication Skills

“…Lectures and written materials are suitable for knowledge transfer but are not effective in developing communication skills [ 28 , 32 , 33 ]. Previous research has pointed out that communication skills training is an effective teaching method [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Skills training can have an effect on students’ confidence, knowledge, skills and attitudes [ 37 ].…”

“…Previous research has pointed out that communication skills training is an effective teaching method [ 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Skills training can have an effect on students’ confidence, knowledge, skills and attitudes [ 37 ]. Effective communication skills training should ideally contain instruction and demonstration, practice, (video) feedback and reflection [ 32 , 36 ].…”

What is the attitude towards and the current practice of information exchange during self-medication counselling in German community pharmacies? An assessment through self-report and non-participant observation

“…E-learning and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) as an examination tool proved to be successful methods to improve pharmacy consultations in chronic diseases [56]. Communication skills training has been shown to improve the communication competency of students [57]. Although defined as pharmacist's expertise [58], communication training is still not a mandatory part in German university education [59].…”

Definition of professionalism and tools for assessing professionalism in pharmacy practice: a systematic review

“…This means that a pharmacist can manage many medication decisions without referral to the prescriber [3]. Pharmacy practice is now focused on pharmaceutical care, rather than on the soft knowledge and skills that were emphasised previously, such as preparing and supplying medicines in patient care [4,5]. Accordingly, the role of the community pharmacist has shifted significantly towards providing more patient-centred care and counselling [1,4,5].…”

“…Pharmacy practice is now focused on pharmaceutical care, rather than on the soft knowledge and skills that were emphasised previously, such as preparing and supplying medicines in patient care [4,5]. Accordingly, the role of the community pharmacist has shifted significantly towards providing more patient-centred care and counselling [1,4,5]. The current health regulatory bodies in Australia, such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, emphasise the importance of the pharmacist’s clinical role in promoting advanced pharmaceutical care practices and applying the highest possible level of professional competence [6,7].…”