Do online workshops using active teaching methods improve self-rated communication skills of physiotherapy students?

Abstract Study aim: In the education of physiotherapists, communication skills should be developed: this can be done by conducting special workshops. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need arose for replacing conventional forms of education with remote classes. Therefore, it was decided to test the effectiveness of a social skills workshop conducted using active online methods for second-year physiotherapy students. Material and methods: The experimental factor was the contents of workshop classes taught online as part of the mandatory course included in the curriculum. The platforms Teams, Zoom, and the Messenger were used to carry out the experiment. The workshops used active learning methods: simulation of work situation, drama, peer feedback and interaction-based communication. Results: The results obtained from 78 participants (pre-test and post-test, including 45 women) were analyzed. The age of the participants ranged from 20 to 22 years, with a mean of 20.7 years. A self-reported social skills questionnaire consisting of 17 statements was used. participation in the course resulted in a significant increase in the index of general communication skills of the students (Z = 5.11, p < 0.001, R = 0.582). Conclusions: Online workshops using active teaching methods, which are an essential element of students of physiotherapy preparation for clinical work, can stimulate the development of their communication skills.