Work

Challenges and Benefits to Adapting the C.L.E.A.R. Conversations Curriculum for Physician–Patient Communication to an Online Format: A Qualitative Interview Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Effective communication is essential for patient care and physician development. Connect, Listen, Empathize, Align, Respect (C.L.E.A.R.) Conversations, developed at Henry Ford Health in 2012, is an evidence-based program using experiential learning methods-role play, feedback, and reflection-to build communication skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the program transitioned from in-person to virtual delivery. Few U.S. studies have explored challenges and opportunities from the perspectives of facilitators, graduate medical education (GME) partners, and administrators. Objective: This exploratory qualitative study aimed to understand the experiences and perspectives of facilitators and administrators during the transition of C.L.E.A.R. Conversations to a virtual format. The purpose was to identify key opportunities, challenges, and strategies that supported this transition rather than to evaluate the benefits or compare virtual and in-person modalities, The study also sought to determine whether the adaptation process could inform a practical and scalable framework for other institutions, serving as both internal reflection and a foundation for hypothesis generation and future research in medical education. Methods: Structured interviews with facilitators, GME partners, and administrators were conducted from April to June 2024 and analyzed through inductive content analysis by two independent coders. Results: Eleven participants described the adaptation process, yielding five main themes: Modifying Content and Delivery, Adapting to Virtual Format, Challenges and Mitigations, Benefits and Surprises, and Recommendations and Insights. Conclusion: Findings highlight how facilitator and administrator perspectives can inform the thoughtful adaptation of experiential learning programs to virtual environments, offering a replicable framework for scalable, learner-centered communication training in GME.

Source: Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development

DOI: 10.1177/23821205251404583

Authors: Medha R. Cherabuddi, Rana L.A. Awdish

Institutions: Henry Ford Health, Henry Ford Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Innovations in Medical Education

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500