The Effectiveness of Five Habits Model Communication Training

Objective Apply ‘Five Habits Model’ to the communication skill training for junior doctors, evaluate the effectiveness of the training. Methods Combined with interactive approaches and didactic teaching, two days of intensive DPC training was conducted to 75 junior doctors. Consultations between doctors and standardized patients were videotaped pre and post the training. Five Habits Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the videos and trainees were asked to submit self-reports after the training. Paired-samples t test, Nonparametric test and meta method were uesd. Results 75 junior doctors participated in the training, and 73 of them were included into data analysis. The average total score increased significantly after training (53.048±6.127) vs. (61.363±6.598), t=-14.328,P=0.000, and the post-training average scores of the five latitudes enhanced with significant differences (P<0.05). The self-reports demonstrated high acceptance of the model. Conclusions The ‘Five Habits Model' is helpful to improve doctors' communication skills. More applications of this model to DPC continuing education should be considered, expecting to promote harmonious relationship between medical professionals and patients.