Opis
Background
In the work of medical/health professionals, not only knowled-ge and professional skills (technical/hard) are important, but also psychosocial skills (relational/soft). A dissonance between high ‘technical’ professionalism and a relatively low level of patient satisfaction with received care is a phenomenon observed in many countries. Many studies show that a low level of patient satis-faction occurs in the case of an inadequate interpersonal communication between medical/health professionals and patients.
Objectives
The primary goal of the presented research was elaboration of the theoretical concept and review of current published studies concerning commu-nication competences of medical/health professionals.The subsequent goal was evaluation of the level (study of the state) of com-munication competences of medical/health professionals (physicians, nurses, pa-ramedics, physiotherapists) and determination of the factors on which this level depends. The final goal was analysis of the needs and educational possibilities wi-thin the existing models of education in the area of interpersonal communication provided by higher medical education institutions.
Results
Most reviewed studies indicate poor effectiveness of shaping commu-nication competences based on standard education in the area of general psychology and communication knowledge, because this knowledge does not convert itself ‘spontaneously’ into communication competences during occupational activity.The conducted analysis of the educational curricula showed a very narrow sco-pe of problems concerning professional medical communication. The results in-dicating the general state of respondents’ communication competences within all aspects (motivation, skills, knowledge) were relatively low. This clearly indicated an inadequate educational model (students), and lack of post-graduate training in the area of professional medical communication (physicians, nurses, paramedics, physiotherapists).