Saladik M, Noelck M, Bailey J. The Art of the Consult Call: Improving Communication Through Shared Mental Models.
MEDEDPORTAL : THE JOURNAL OF TEACHING AND LEARNING RESOURCES 2023;
19:11347. [PMID:
37779863 PMCID:
PMC10539490 DOI:
10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11347]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Introduction
The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education cites effective communication with physicians as a core competency for emergency medicine (EM) residents. However, there is no standardized curriculum dedicated to communication beyond practice in the clinical setting.
Methods
We developed a 1-hour EM didactic session on effective consultations using experiential education principles. Learners were placed in pairs of one junior learner and one senior learner. The junior learner performed a mock phone consultation using an EM patient case; the senior learner completed an online evaluation, assessing the junior learner on 13 core components of a successful consult call, based on Kessler's 5Cs consultation model. Subsequently, learners participated in an intervention, which included an artistic activity and facilitated debrief, connecting their reflections to clinical practice. Postintervention, the same paired learners completed a second mock consultation call and reevaluation. Finally, learners completed a feedback survey.
Results
Fifteen pairs completed both the pre- and postintervention evaluations. Of the junior learners simulating the consultation call, 47% were clinical medical students, and 53% were first-year EM residents. Preintervention, learners completed a mean of 51% of core consult call components compared to a mean of 84% postintervention. This 33% improvement was statistically significant (p < .001; 95% CI, 19.9-46.1). Eight participants completed the feedback survey; 100% agreed or strongly agreed with positive statements regarding overall session content.
Discussion
This engaging interactive session utilizing a mock communication exercise, unique artistic activity, and guided reflection can effectively increase junior learners' phone consultation communication skills.
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