Towards patient-centered healthcare: a scoping review of soft skills training in medical schools

In response to the dynamic evolution of the medical profession, driven by digital transformation, demographic shifts, and global health challenges, medical schools are emphasizing the importance of soft skills alongside technical and digital expertise. This scoping review aimed to identify key concepts and core characteristics related to soft skills in medical literature. Following a comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, supplemented by a manual search and conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 218 articles were identified. After screening and full-text evaluation, 83 studies met the inclusion criteria. The analysis of the literature revealed three recurring thematic axes: (1) the global trend of incorporating soft skills into medical education; (2) the adoption of innovative andragogical strategies to foster the development of these competencies; and (3) the persistent obstacles and limitations that hinder the effective implementation of soft skills training in medical curricula. The review identified critical research gaps and priority areas to strengthen the integration of soft skills-related competencies in medical curricula. These findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to develop compassionate, culturally responsive physicians capable of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. By synthesizing current evidence and mapping key themes and limitations, this review provides a foundation for future educational interventions and policy development in soft skills training.