Communication with Patients and Families - ACGME Competencies

Instruction in Communication with Patients and Families may include settings such as clinical teaching; case-based teaching, role modeling; and interactive workshops or seminars using role playing, when aspects of these types of communications can be more easily discussed.

Here are a number of other resources that may also be useful to you in the development and implementation of program's approach to competency and outcomes assessment and improvement. The information contained in these approaches reflects those undertaken by your UMMC's colleagues, as well as others in your profession to develop and implement the Interpersonal Skills and Communication competency within their program or institution.

UMMC Pediatrics Department

UMMC Pediatrics Department developed a 360 degree evaluation tool for assessment of Interpersonal Skills and Communication. These tools may be modified for use by your program.

• 360 Evaluation Form for Resident/Fellow to Evaluate Self
• 360 Evaluation Form for Resident/Fellow To Evaluate Peer
• 360 Evaluation Form for Allied Health Professional to Evaluate Resident/Fellow
• 360 Evaluation Form for Patient to Evaluate Resident/Fellow
• 360 Evaluation Form for Faculty to Evaluate Resident/Fellow

The Institute for Healthcare for Improvement

The Institute for Healthcare for Improvement has various resources available to improve communications. The SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) technique provides a framework for communication between members of the health care team about a patient's condition. SBAR is an easy-to-remember, concrete mechanism useful for framing any conversation, especially critical ones, requiring a clinician's immediate attention and action. It allows for an easy and focused way to set expectations for what will be communicated and how between members of the team, which is essential for developing teamwork and fostering a culture of patient safety. View more information on SBAR.

The Bayer Institute

The Bayer Institute seeks to improve the communication between clinician and patient through three major activities: education, research and advocacy. 

The End of Life/Palliative Care Research Center

The End of Life/Palliative Care Research Center (EPERC) is a centralized comprehensive resource for hospice and palliative physician educators. Access Palliative Care Fast Facts and Concepts originally published by the EPERC.

The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center

The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center supports and advances compassionate health care. View more information about the Schwartz Center resources.

Macy Initiative in Health Care Communication

Macy Initiative in Health Care Communication is an initiate to develop a state of the art, innovative, comprehensive communication skills curriculum grounded in a set of core competencies that should be mastered by every graduated physician.

American Board of Internal Medicine

View resources from the American Board of Internal Medicine.