Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify the otolaryngology head and neck surgery training programs that include formal training in communication skills as part of the curriculum. The second purpose was to identify the characteristics of formal communication skill training that existing programs in otolaryngology head and neck surgery residencies include as part of the curriculum. The third purpose was to determine the characteristics of formal communication skills training that medical communication experts recommend for inclusion in an otolaryngology residency program. Methodology. The study used descriptive research and data collected through a qualitative approach. The sample was seventy-two otolaryngology residency program directors and five medical communication skills experts. The instruments used for the study were written questionnaires in the case of program directors and telephone interviews for the medical communication skills experts. The data were presented in narrative, table, and graphical formats. Findings. Approximately half of otolaryngology residency program directors reported that some effort was being made to teach communication skills to otolaryngology residents, with a median of approximately five hours of formal training per year. In many cases, a substantial portion of the educational effort is composed of lecture and informal training/individualized instruction in clinic settings. Few otolaryngology programs use videotape, audiotape, or small groups to teach communication skills. Medical communication experts suggested an average of 38.6 hours per year be devoted to communication skills training, compared to the 5.3 hours currently devoted. Medical communication experts suggested an increased use of small groups, videotape, and standardized patients as compared to current practice in otolaryngology residencies. Implications. Medical communication experts and the medical communication skills literature imply that current communication skill training approaches generally employed in otolaryngology residency programs is ineffective. It appears likely that improved educational outcomes will occur if communication skills programs are changed to reflect current "state of the art" in communication skills training.