Learning to be the Patients’ Advocates: Evaluation of an Evidence-Based Communication Skills Course.
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Date
2014-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
South East Asia Regional Association for Medical Education.
Abstract
Introduction: A communication skills course to prepare nurses for their roles as patient advocates in
the informed consent process was developed based on evidence from education and healthcare
research, mostly from Western literature, tailored with evidence from the local context in South-East
Asia. This study aimed to evaluate the course and to investigate factors influencing the application of
the skills in the real setting.
Methods: This was a mixed method study. Subjects were 32 participants who were ‗champions‘
(opinion leaders) at their home institutions. We used a questionnaire to measure the participants‘
reactions, pre/post/follow-up test to measure knowledge, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to
investigate the transfer and impact of the course.
Results: Participants perceived the course to be helpful for learning. The post test showed increased
knowledge and the follow up test indicated retention. FGDs showed participants‘ approaches to apply
the skills in the informed consent process and different areas of practice. Factors influencing
implementation were similar to previous studies.
Conclusions: Despite strong contextual factors, a well-designed course underpinned with evidence
can contribute to the desired improvement. Application of evidence from Western literature in South-
East Asia should be tailored to the local context. A thorough needs assessment is necessary to
explore the context.
Description
Keywords
Evidence, communication skills, nurse, informed consent, patient advocacy
Citation
Susilo Astrid Pratidina, Claramita Mora, Dalen Jan van, Scherpbier Albert. Learning to be the Patients’ Advocates: Evaluation of an Evidence-Based Communication Skills Course. South East Asia Regional Association for Medical Education. 2014 Dec; 8(2): 60-69.