Challenges in communication during clerkships: a case report.

Patient-centered communication skills training is an integral part of the medical training of students of the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre. During their clerkships, however, students are confronted with a variety of physicians, demonstrating communication skills which differ from what they have been taught. Some physicians have difficulty with patient-centered communication themselves. This may cause students to adopt inadequate communication behaviors. To prevent this, we suggest raising awareness in students and including supervising physicians in communication skills training.

Personal-professional Development Program Fosters Resilience During COVID-Pandemic.

Problem: Epidemiological data throughout the academic world show an upswing in mental health concerns among students, even more significant during the ongoing COVID-pandemic. Many universities have recognized these problems and started counseling programs. However, currently reported stress levels and mental health problems at many universities remain substantial. Approach: Our medical faculty features an evidence informed longitudinal program on personal-professional development (LPPD) integrated into the core curriculum to strengthen wellbeing and support the student as a whole. Outcomes: With our LPPD program we show that it is possible to successfully enable personal-professional development and well-being, especially in unexpected times when resilience is needed. The safe learning environment the teacher-coaches created has proven to be an important condition in this regard. Next steps: The LPPD program will be further evaluated and both results and program materials will be shared with the academic community through web-pages, online material and research papers.

[A model for shared decision-making with frail older patients: consensus reached using Delphi technique]. / Model voor gezamenlijke besluitvorming met kwetsbare ouderen.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a model for shared decision-making with frail older patients. DESIGN: Online Delphi forum. METHOD: We used a three-round Delphi technique to reach consensus on the structure of a model for shared decision-making with older patients. The expert panel consisted of 16 patients (round 1), and 59 professionals (rounds 1-3). In round 1, the panel of experts was asked about important steps in the process of shared decision-making and the draft model was introduced. Rounds 2 and 3 were used to adapt the model and test it for 'importance' and 'feasibility'. RESULTS: Consensus for the dynamic shared decision-making model as a whole was achieved for both importance (91% panel agreement) and feasibility (76% panel agreement). CONCLUSION: Shared decision-making with older patients is a dynamic process. It requires a continuous supportive dialogue between health care professional and patient.