Figure 3: Communication skills (change in quality and confidence) and learning with SPs
A) Distribution of the students’ responses regarding a change of their communication skills (quality) due to attending the communication curriculum. The following item was used: “How would you rate the change in your communication skills as a result of attending the communication curriculum?”, with response options on a 11-point numerical rating scale from 0 (significantly worsened), 5 (no change) to 10 (significantly improved). B) Distribution of the students’ responses regarding a change of their communication skills (confidence) due to attending the communication curriculum. The following item was used: “How would you rate the change in your communication skills as a result of attending the communication curriculum?”, with response options on a 11-point numerical rating scale from 0 (significantly more insecure), 5 (no change) to 10 (significantly more secure). C) Distribution of the students’ responses regarding the usefulness of practicing with SPs. The following item was used: “Learning communication skills with simulated patients is…” with response options on a 11-point numerical rating scale from 0 (not helpful at all), 5 (neutral) to 10 (very helpful). Notes: Data derive only from 3rd and ≥5th semester students because 1st semester students had not yet attended any communication teaching at the time of the survey.