Report on Attitude, Ethics and Communication (AETCOM) module 1.4- The foundations of communication – 1 for 1st MBBS 2023-24 Batch students

Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM) Module 1.4 – The Foundations of Communication -I was conducted successfully by the Department of Biochemistry for the First Year MBBS students (Batch 2023-24) on 29/04/2024 from 9 am to 5 pm. The Module started with an interactive lecture on “Principles of communication skills for Health Care Professionals” which was effectively delivered by Dr. Aliya Nusrath, Prof. and Head, Department of Biochemistry. During the session, students were oriented on various aspects of communication skills which include types, components, essential elements, benefits, and barriers of communication skills for a doctor.

The session also included case scenarios and video demonstrations on the “Importance of attitude in career”, “Importance of human communication”, “Importance of oral (verbal, nonverbal, and para verbal) and written communication” and the importance of communicating rightly”.

Further, the students were divided into 3 groups with the following themes where the students showcased a series of skits and other activities to deliver their respective themes which were mentored by the department teaching faculty.

Group 1- “Doctor who keeps on interrupting patients and not listening”, mentored by Dr. Shilpashree Y D, Dr. Mythri S and Ms. Veena S C

Group 2- “Doctor communicating with the patient in a disrespectful, threatening and apathetic manner” mentored by Dr. Namitha D, Mrs. Johnsi Priya J, and Mr. Pavan H. S

Group 3- “Doctor who uses technical terms or a language not known to patient” mentored by Dr. Asharani N, Dr. Rajeshwari A and Ms. Inchara S

Program outcomes:

• Communication skill is one the most effective skills a person can have and more so in health care professionals. Good communication in a healthcare setting will foster trust between patients and healthcare providers.
• While communicating with vulnerable groups like geriatric patients, pediatric patients, pregnant women, critically ill, etc. requires special attention and care in communication due to their unique needs and challenges.
• In a healthcare setting, it is important to speak at an appropriate pace, allowing plenty of time for response to accommodate patients with communication challenges.
• Asking questions one at a time maintains clarity and focus during conversations, and avoiding medical jargon enables patients to make informed decisions about their health which ultimately boost empathetically both doctor and patient morale, engagement, productivity, and satisfaction.
• Trust is the foundation of a successful patient- healthcare provider relationship, fostered through these communication strategies