A systematic and comprehensive approach to teaching and evaluating interpersonal skills

J Med Educ. 1977 Nov;52(11):906-13. doi: 10.1097/00001888-197711000-00006.

Abstract

This study addressed one problem with current methods for teaching and evaluating interpersonal skills: the failure to include a wide range of behaviors reported in the literature as contributing to patient dissatisfaction and noncompliance. To address this concern, the authors developed a comprehensive interpersonal skills training program and a pretest-posttest evaluation. The tests were administered to two student groups one of which received the interpersonal skills instruction. The student group exposed to the training exhibited a significant positive change from pretest to posttest. Additionally the change for this group was significantly greater than the change for the group not exposed to interpersonal skills instruction.

MeSH terms

  • Allied Health Personnel / education*
  • Curriculum
  • Educational Measurement
  • Humans
  • Maryland
  • Physician Assistants / education
  • Professional-Patient Relations*