Creating Effective Role-plays to Promote Authentic Learning of the Essential Important Attributes of Doctor–patient Communication Skills

Abstract Effective communication is a crucial component of health professions education and practice, significantly influencing patient outcomes and safety. Poor communication can lead to medical errors and compromise patient care. To address this, the Medical Council of India introduced the Attitude, Ethics, and Communication (AETCOM) module to formally train medical graduates in AETCOM skills. This article highlights four key attributes of effective communication: accuracy, timely availability, understandability, and reliability. Accuracy is essential to prevent errors, as vague or unclear instructions can result in adverse outcomes. Timely availability of information helps build patient confidence and ensures proactive communication. Understandability requires translating complex medical jargon into layperson-friendly language, while reliability promotes trust through evidence-based communication. Role-plays were designed and implemented to teach these attributes effectively, using real-life clinical scenarios to demonstrate each attribute. As a teaching tool, role-playing enables active learning, immediate feedback, and empathy building. It provides a safe space for learners to practice communication skills, experiment with various approaches, and receive constructive feedback. In addition, role-plays enhance understanding by allowing participants to experience the perspectives of patients and other healthcare professionals. Training sessions conducted between 2018 and 2022 received positive feedback from the participants, who found role-plays engaging and practical. Real-life incidents and critical situations were used to craft scenarios that mirrored genuine healthcare challenges. Role-playing also fosters empathy by enabling learners to step into patients’ shoes, promoting patient-centered communication. In conclusion, communication skills are vital for healthcare professionals, and structured training using role-plays can effectively prepare learners to communicate accurately, timely, understandably, and reliably.