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A Prospective Study on the Impact of the Communication Skills Module on Medication Adherence: Healing Through Dialogue

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Effective communication is vital for building doctor-patient relationships, improving patient compliance, and reducing medical errors. However, communication training is often underemphasized in medical education. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to enhance communication skills among second-year MBBS students by developing and validating communication skills modules focused on medication adherence, training faculty to deliver them, implementing the modules, and evaluating their effectiveness. METHODS: A prospective interventional study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology at Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana. Two competency-based communication modules were developed and validated in the context of antitubercular drugs and oral contraceptive education. Following ethical approval, the modules were implemented with 101 second-year MBBS students. Faculty members were trained, and students were assessed using a simulated, observed structured practical examination (OSPE). Focus group discussions (n = 8) and faculty interviews (n = 4) were conducted, and all qualitative data were analyzed using the NVivo software (Lumivero, Denver, Colorado). RESULTS: Postmodule OSPE performance improved in 87.12% of students (p = 0.0002). Student self-assessment results showed improvement, with 78% reporting poor communication before the intervention and 94% reporting significant improvement and increased confidence afterward. Qualitative feedback affirmed enhanced communication competence and awareness of medication adherence and patient safety. CONCLUSION: Structured communication modules significantly improved communication skills, confidence, and simulated interactions among second-year MBBS students. Both students and faculty recognized the critical role of communication in patient safety and medication adherence, underscoring the need to integrate such training into medical curricula.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.97315