A Serious Illness Conversation Interactive Workshop to Enhance Communication Skills for Hospitalists: Program Acceptability and Utility
Christina J. Dietz, Sharon Clark, Bethany Lockwood, Stephanie Myers, Kavitha NortonObjectives
Hospitalists are responsible for every facet of inpatient care. Given the wide-reaching nature of their role, it is imperative hospitalists are equipped with skills to successfully navigate serious illness conversations. However, there is no standard communication training that clinicians receive. The aim was to implement and evaluate perceptions of a serious illness conversation program.
Methods
The study was conducted at one academic medical center with hospital medicine physicians. They participated in an 8-hour interactive workshop rooted in adult learning theory, delivered via large group didactics and demonstrations, and incorporated deliberate practice in small groups with simulated patients. Standard cases were adapted to reflect real-world clinical scenarios hospitalists routinely encounter.
Results
Of the 103 respondents, 90 (87.4%) strongly agreed or agreed the workshop was a good investment of their time. For recommending this program to their peers, 93 (90.3%) strongly agreed or agreed. Similarly, 99 (96.1%) strongly agreed or agreed they would use the communication skills in their daily practice. The written feedback was overall positive, citing the role play skills practice was helpful.
Conclusions
The program was well-received and became a required component for new hire divisional onboarding. Future steps include measuring the longitudinal impact on patients and clinicians.