Effect of Communication Skills Virtual Module Based on the Calgary-Cambridge Model on the Attitude and Performance of Medical Students

 Good physician-patient communication improves health outcomes. However, many medical students lack effective communication skills.

 This study was done to evaluate a virtual education module for teaching communication skills to medical students in Iran.

 The pre-test-post-test experimental design was conducted with simple random sampling using random number generation software to compare the virtual module of communication skills. Iran University of Medical Sciences students' attitudes were assessed with the Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS) and clinical performance was assessed with the Calgary Cambridge checklist. A total of 50 students in each group have completed the course. The virtual module was designed and developed with the steps of the Calgary Cambridge model and was taught using PowerPoint, posters, pamphlets, and podcasts. Independent t-test samples, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were utilized for data analysis using SPSS software.

 The mean age of participants in the Conventional group was 23.92±3.27, and in the virtual module group was 24.02±3.16. The mean difference in attitude toward communication between the two groups was 25.62±5.45, and performance was 6.23±1.61, which was statistically significant. The statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the mean attitude and performance of students before and after the virtual module (P<0.05).

 The virtual module significantly improved students' communication skills, attitude, and performance compared to conventional education. The implementation of virtual education modules can effectively enhance the teaching of communication skills in medical schools. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term impacts on physician-patient communication.