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Human Resources for Health
Published in: Human Resources for Health 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research

Training in communication skills for self-efficacy of health professionals: a systematic review

Authors: Ádala Nayana de Sousa Mata, Kesley Pablo Morais de Azevedo, Liliane Pereira Braga, Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva de Medeiros, Victor Hugo de Oliveira Segundo, Isaac Newton Machado Bezerra, Isac Davidson Santiago Fernandes Pimenta, Ismael Martinez Nicolás, Grasiela Piuvezam

Published in: Human Resources for Health | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Communication skills are essential for health professionals to establish a positive relationship with their patients, improving their health and quality of life. In this perspective, communication skills training can be effective strategies to improve the care provided by professionals in patient care and the quality of health services.

Objective

To identify the best available evidence on training programs in communication skills to promote changes in attitude and behavior or self-efficacy of health professionals.

Methods

Systematic searches were performed in eight databases, evaluating Randomized Controlled Trials and quasi-experimental studies with a control group, focusing on training communication skills for health professionals, who assessed self-efficacy or behaviors related to these skills. The phases of study selection and data extraction were carried out by two independent researchers, and the conflicts were resolved by a third. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane method.

Results

Eight studies were included in the review. Most programs lasted between 4½ h and 2 days, involved information about communication skills and the content was applied to the health professionals’ context. Several teaching strategies were used, such as lectures, videos and dramatizations and the evaluation was carried out using different instruments. Improvements in the performance and in the self-efficacy of communication skills were observed in the trained groups. The RCT had a low risk of bias and the quasi-experimental studies had a moderate risk.

Conclusion

Training in communication skills can improve the performance and self-efficacy of health professionals. Programs that approach the conceptual issues and promote the space for experiential learning could be effective in communication skills training for professionals.
PROSPERO: CRD42019129384
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Training in communication skills for self-efficacy of health professionals: a systematic review
Authors
Ádala Nayana de Sousa Mata
Kesley Pablo Morais de Azevedo
Liliane Pereira Braga
Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva de Medeiros
Victor Hugo de Oliveira Segundo
Isaac Newton Machado Bezerra
Isac Davidson Santiago Fernandes Pimenta
Ismael Martinez Nicolás
Grasiela Piuvezam
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Human Resources for Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1478-4491
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-021-00574-3

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