title: [Simulation-based intervention to improve anesthesiology residents communication with families of critically ill patients--preliminary prospective evaluation].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although effective communication with families of critically ill patients is a vital component of quality care, training in this field is neglected.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The article aims to validate communication skills training program for anesthesiology residents in the intensive care set up.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten anesthesia residents, following 3 months of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) rotation, had 4 hours of lectures and one day simulation-based communication skills training with families of critically ill patients. Participants completed an attitude questionnaire over 3 time periods--before training [t1], immediately following training (t2) and three months following training (t3). The participants' communication skills were assessed by two blinded independent observers using the SEGUE framework while performing a simulation-based scenario at t1 and t3.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven participants finished the study protocol. Participants ndicated communication importance as 3.68 +/- 0.58 (t1), 4.05 +/- 0.59 (t2), 4.13 +/- 0.64 (t3); their communication ability as 3.09 +/- 0.90 (t1), 3.70 +/- 0.80 (t2), 3.57 +/- 0.64 (t3); the contribution of lecture to communication 3.04 +/- 0.43 (t1), 3.83 +/- 0.39 (t2), 3.87 +/- 0.51 (t3), and contribution of simulation training to communication 3.00 +/- 0.71 (t1), 4.04 +/- 0.52 (t2), 3.84 +/- 0.31 (t3). The differences did not reach statistical significance. Objective assessment of the communication skills using the SEGUE framework indicated that 6/7 participants improved their communication skills, with communication ability before training at 2.66 +/- 0.83 and 1 month following training it was 3.38 +/- 0.78 (p = 0.09).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This preliminary study demonstrates the value of communication skills training in the intensive care environment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Sheba Medical Center. haim.berkenstadt@sheba.health.gov.il
authors.forename: Haim
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Berkenstadt
authors.forename: Daria
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Perlson
authors.forename: Orit
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Shalomson
authors.forename: Atalia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tuval
authors.forename: Yael
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Haviv-Yadid
authors.forename: Amitai
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ziv
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000193:education*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D016638:Critical Illness; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000592:standards*; D008297:Male; D016544:Patient Simulation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires