The "RE.COMMUNICATION" training program to optimize medical communication and emotion regulation: lessons learned from a mixed-method feasibility study.

Abstract

Effective communication skills, including emotion regulation (ER) skills, are critical for physicians to manage patient interactions and their own well-being. However, ER skills are rarely included in medical communication training programs. This study evaluated the feasibility of 'RE.COMMUNICATION', an 8-h online synchronous training program designed to enhance communication skills, including ER, among physicians. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study primarily examined five feasibility dimensions including (1) recruitment procedures, (2) data collection procedures, (3) resources and the ability to implement the training, (4) acceptability and (5) suitability of the training. Additionally, the study attested the preliminary effects of the training through the analyses of change scores in communication competence and ER (i.e. cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) one-month post-training. First, several adjustments for future iterations regarding recruitment, data collection and implementation procedures were identified by the researchers. Second, the 52 physicians enrolled in the training rated very positively the training's content, relevance, utility, satisfaction and applicability, indicating high rates of acceptability and suitability of the training. Thematic analyses revealed that group dynamics, trainer competence and practical exercises were particularly valued as strengths of the training program. And third, communication competence and cognitive reappraisal improved significantly 1 month post-training. No significant changes were observed in expressive suppression. While no changes were registered regarding physicians' sex, differences emerged based on professional status: specialists significantly increased their use of cognitive reappraisal, and they displayed contrasting tendencies in the use of expressive suppression, with specialists increasing its use post-training. This study attested the feasibility of 'RE.COMMUNICATION' and highlighted opportunities for refinement, providing a foundation for optimizing this training program and designing a pilot randomized controlled trial.