Parents as Teachers: Teaching Pediatrics Residents the Art of Engaging in Difficult Conversations.

backgroundPhysicians often lack the skills and confidence needed to have difficult conversations with patients and their families. Patients and families who have experienced these conversations can provide valuable insight for resident physicians.

objectiveWe developed a communication skills workshop for pediatrics residents using parents and a team of social workers, nurses, chaplains, and physician facilitators in role-playing exercises.

methodsFrom 2007 to 2016, half-day "difficult conversation" workshops were held annually for postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) and PGY-2 residents that included an interprofessional team and parents of children with life-threatening diagnoses. Questionnaires assessed residents' prior training, effectiveness of the sessions, and narrative feedback on the impact of this approach. Parents and team members were surveyed on the effectiveness of the training and the value of parent involvement.

resultsMedian self-reported confidence levels for incoming PGY-1 residents following the workshop rose from 2 to 4 on a 5-point Likert scale (99% response rate [128 of 129 surveyed],

conclusionsInvolving patients' parents and an interprofessional team in role-playing scenarios was a well-received method for teaching residents how to engage in difficult conversations with patients and families, and improved their self-reported confidence when having these conversations.