Times change:How to train future medical specialists to become skilled communicators

Abstract

The main question of this thesis is: How can we support postgraduate training of communication skills for future medical specialists? Prior research showed that it is important to deliberately practice communication skills in an environment in which the value of communication skills is recognized and support is institutionalized with appropriate feedback from role models. Question arises to what extent these elements are implemented in the daily practice of postgraduate training in chronic diseases and in training of communication skills in rare diseases