New test rates medical school students’ patient engagement

The University of Missouri School of Medicine, based in Columbia, announced the implementation of a new tool to measure how well third-year medical students practice patient-centered care.

Advertisement

MU researchers worked with patients to determine behaviors that demonstrate high-quality patient-centered care. They used this feedback to design the Patient-Centered Care – Objective Structured Clinical Exam, which MU medical students must pass to graduate.

Students take the test in the third year of medical school during clinical rotations. Through a “standardized patient” simulation, students are tested on their ability to demonstrate patient-centered care. The test assesses skills like building rapport, making eye contact, listening, determining the reason for the visit and developing a care plan that suits the patient’s preferences.

In the years leading up to the exam, MU medical students train in a simulation center to practice patient-centered care behaviors. They receive video feedback and comments to help reinforce good physician-patient engagement behaviors, according to the report.

More articles on medical schools:

Revisions to MCAT add two hours to exam

Peak Vista Community Health Centers to launch new residency program

Half of the country’s teaching hospitals penalized for medical errors

Advertisement

Next Up in Integration & Physician Issues

Advertisement

Comments are closed.