Impact of a Pediatric-Focused Communication Course on Patient/Caregiver-Perceived Physician Communication Skills in a Pediatric Emergency Department

Objectives To evaluate the impact of a pediatric-focused, relationship-centered communication course on patient/caregiver assessment of emergency department (ED) physician communication skills. Methods This was a prospective study; a previously validated assessment tool (Pediatric Physician Interpersonal Communication Skills Assessment [P-PICSA]) was used to collect pediatric patient/caregiver evaluation of ED physician communication skills. Emergency department physicians were required to attend a 5.5-hour communication course. Differences in precourse/postcourse P-PICSA and top-box scores were analyzed to determine course impact on ED physician communication skills. Results From July 2016 to August 2017, 49 pediatric ED physicians participated in the course, and 24 physicians (49%) had 6-month precourse/postcourse P-PICSA data. Postcourse scores were higher for all 13 items, with 3 items achieving statistical significance: (1) the doctor used words I could understand; (2) the way the doctor involved me in making decisions about my child's care in the ED; (3) how the doctor discussed next steps and/or follow-up plans for my child's care after we leave the ED (P < 0.05). Additionally, postcourse, top-box score percentages were higher for 12 items, with 1 item achieving statistical significance (P = 0.0386). Conclusions An organization-wide, pediatric-focused, relationship-centered communication course improved patient/caregiver-perceived ED physician communication. Further research is necessary to assess long-term sustainability.