Key Points
In brief
-
An instrument which is easy to use for assessing communication skills in the dental surgery has been developed.
-
The instrument could be used, not only for assessing undergraduates, but also for VT training and in-practice audit.
-
Patient satisfaction and compliance are enhanced by dentists having a high level of communication skills. This instrument provides 'pointers' for helping to maintain good dentist-patient relationships.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop, and assess the inter-observer reliability of an instrument for evaluating dental students' communication skills.
Methods used were process-tracking of interactions between experienced practitioners and patients, development of the instrument and its simultaneous use by two researchers observing 43 third year dental students prior to communication skills training.
The results found that the instrument was appropriate for the purpose for which it was designed, and was easy to utilise. There were no significant differences between observers' total scores. Item-specific weighted kappa scores showed almost perfect agreement between observers for all but four of the 31 items. The lowest inter-observer weighted kappa score was for the measurement of eye contact (k = 0.60).
In conclusion, assessment of communication skills is now a necessity in the undergraduate curriculum. Preliminary analysis of an instrument of communication skills in the dental surgery indicates that it may be possible to do this reliably.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
References
Corah N, O'Shea R . Development of a patient measure of satisfaction with the dentist: The dental visit satisfaction scale. J Behav Med 1984; 7: 367–373.
Holt V, McHugh K . Factors influencing patient loyalty to dentist and dental practice. Br Dent J 1997; 183: 365–370.
Mellor A, Milgrom P . Dental attitudes toward frustrating patient visits: relationship to satisfaction and malpractice complaints. Comm Dent Oral Epid 1995; 23: 15–19.
Chakrabarty G, Gaeth G, Cunningham M . Understanding consumers' preference for dental services. J Health Care Market 1993; 13: 48–58.
General Dental Council. The First five Years. The undergraduate curriculum. March 1997.
Hargie O, Dickson D, Boohan M, Hughes K . A survey of communication skills training in UK schools of medicine: present practices and prospective proposals. Med Educ 1998; 32: 25–34.
Yelland M J . Standardised patients in the assessment of general practice consulting skills. Med Educ 1998; 32: 8–13.
Gomez J M, Prieto L, Pijol R, Arbizu T, Vilar L, Pi F, Borrell F, Roma J, Martinez-Carretero J M . Clinical skills' assessment with standardised patients. Med Educ 1997; 31: 94–98.
Gask L, Goldberg D, Lesser A L, Millar T . Improving the psychiatric skills of the general practice trainee: an evaluation of a group training course. Med Educ 1988; 22: 132–138.
Usherwood T . Subjective and behavioural evaluation of the teaching of patient interview skills. Med Educ 1993; 27: 41–47.
Pieters H N, Touw-Otten F W, de Melker R A . Simulated patients in assessing consultation skills in general practice vocational training: a validity study. Med Educ 1994; 38: 226–233.
Cohen D S, Colliver J A, Marcy M S, Fried E D & Swartz M H . Psychometric properties of a standardised patient checklist and rating scale form used to assess interpersonal and communication skills. Acad Med Jan supp. 1996; 71 (1): Jan suppp.
Kay E J & Nuttall N M . Clinical Decision Making. An art or a science? London: BDJ Books, 1997.
Newsome P R H, Wright G H . A review of patient satisfaction. 2: Dental patient satisfaction: an appraisal of the literature. British Dental Journal 1999; 186: 166–170.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
REFEREED PAPER
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Theaker, E., Kay, E. & Gill, S. Development and preliminary evaluation of an instrument designed to assess dental students' communication skills. Br Dent J 188, 40–44 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4800382
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4800382
