Enhancing clinical communication in dermatologists: a personalized educational intervention.
OBJECTIVE
Effective communication is a vital component of patient-centered consultations with favorable treatment outcomes. This study aimed in testing the effectiveness of a personalized, communication training program for dermatologists in their practices.


METHODS
Fifteen dermatologists were offered the educational intervention NO.TE.S. (Non-Technical Skills). Depending on the dermatologists' needs, seven to nine sessions with a 60-min duration were performed, focusing on: patient-centered care, principles of Neurolinguistic Programming, a guide to the medical interview, principles of motivational interviewing and self-care. After the program's completion, participants completed anonymously an 18-item evaluation questionnaire.


RESULTS
All 14 participants would suggest NO.TE.S to a colleague. According to the main themes identified, their participation led to (i) re-consideration of the physician-patient relationship, (ii) more conscious application of the patient-centered model, (iii) improvement in communication skills, (iv) awareness of medical interview guides, (v) increase in self-confidence, and (vi) techniques of self-care. Eleven physicians (78.6%) declared improvement in patients' satisfaction, 14 (100%) in their own satisfaction, seven (50%) in adherence to therapeutic plan and seven (50%) in treatment outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
The one-to-one coaching is a convenient and well-received personalized means of enhancing clinical communication in dermatologists, leading to more patient-centered medical encounters with better treatment outcomes.
a Department of Hygiene , School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki , Thessaloniki , Greece.
Zoi
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9626-9295
Z
Tsimtsiou
b School of Health Sciences, City University London , London , UK.
Charitini
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4307-1848
C
Stavropoulou
c LEO Pharma Hellas , Athens , Greece.
Noni
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3856-1770
N
Papastefanou
d Clinic of Social and Family Medicine , School of Medicine, University of Crete , Heraklion , Greece.
Christos
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9324-2839
C
Lionis
D003142:Communication; D000072085:Dermatologists / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Clinical communication; communication skills; evaluation; intervention; patient-centered; training