title: Post-graduate education for medical specialists focused on patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms; development of a communication skills training programme.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Stepwise description of the development of a post-graduate communication skills training programme for medical specialists focused on patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) to improve specialist interaction with MUPS patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using the 'intervention mapping approach' we accomplished a needs assessment (literature study and pilot) to formulate intervention objectives and identify methods and techniques for a MUPS-focused communication skills training programme for medical specialists.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A 14-h training programme which consists of experiential learning, role-play and feedback. Using skills from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, medical specialists are stimulated to explore interrelating factors that reinforce symptoms, to reassure patients effectively and to provide plausible and understandable explanations for MUPS. Dealing with complex referrals and informing GPs properly are also practiced.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By applying the 'intervention mapping approach' we were able to create a feasible and promising intervention to improve specialist interaction with MUPS patients. Intervention effects are currently being assessed in a randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  If the RCT demonstrates sufficient effectiveness and efficiency of the MUPS focused communication skills training programme for medical specialists the intervention could be embedded in post-graduate education of medical specialists and residents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. info@anneweiland.nl
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Weiland
authors.forename: Annette H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Blankenstein
authors.forename: Mariëtte H A
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Willems
authors.forename: Jan L C M
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Van Saase
authors.forename: Henk T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Van der Molen
authors.forename: Alexandra M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Van Dulmen
authors.forename: Lidia R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Arends
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D003479:Curriculum; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology; D016730:Program Development; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D013038:Specialization
keywords: Doctor–patient communication; Medical specialists; Medically unexplained physical symptoms; Physician–patient relationship; Post-graduate education