Facilitators and Barriers to a Hospital-Based Communication Skills Training Programme: An Interview Study

Maiken Wolderslund (), Karin Waidtløw, Poul-Erik Kofoed and Jette Ammentorp
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Maiken Wolderslund: Centre for Research in Patient Communication, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
Karin Waidtløw: Centre for Research in Patient Communication, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
Poul-Erik Kofoed: Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Lillebaelt Hospital, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, 6000 Kolding, Denmark
Jette Ammentorp: Centre for Research in Patient Communication, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 6, 1-11

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the facilitators and barriers experienced by the department management (DMs) and communication skills trainers (trainers) during the implementation of a 3-day communication skills training (CST) programme for healthcare professionals (HCPs). Thus, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 DMs and 10 trainers from 11 departments concurrently implementing the CST programme. Thematic analysis was undertaken to elucidate the themes across the interviews. Five themes were developed: resource consumption; obstacles; management support; efforts and outcomes; and a lack of systematic follow-up. Although the DMs and trainers were largely in agreement, the theme of a lack of systematic follow-up was derived exclusively from the trainers, as were two of the subthemes within obstacles: (b) seniority, profession, and cultural differences, and (c) the trainers’ competencies. The greatest perceived barrier was resource consumption. In addition, DMs found planning and staff resistance to be a challenge. However, the HCPs’ resistance diminished or even changed to satisfaction after participating. The mandatory approach served as both a facilitator and a barrier; DMs’ support was an essential facilitator. Explicit communication related to resource demands, planning, and participation is crucial, as is management support and the allocation of resources.

Keywords: health communication; patient-centred care; staff development; clinical competence; provider–patient relations; program evaluation; quality of care (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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