Academic Journal
Improving general practitioners communication skills to better manage chronic respiratory diseases through an experiential online training intervention: A mixed methods study.
| Title: | Improving general practitioners communication skills to better manage chronic respiratory diseases through an experiential online training intervention: A mixed methods study. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Boulougari K; Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece. Electronic address: medp2011915@med.uoc.gr., Christodoulakis A; Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece., Karademas EC; Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethimno, Greece; Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus., Lionis C; Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece., Tsiligianni I; Department of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Department of Primary Care and Population Health, Medical School, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus. |
| Source: | Patient education and counseling [Patient Educ Couns] 2026 Aug; Vol. 149, pp. 109627. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Mar 31. |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Elsevier Country of Publication: Ireland NLM ID: 8406280 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1873-5134 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 07383991 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Patient Educ Couns Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: Limerick : Elsevier Original Publication: Princeton, N.J. : Excerpta Medica, c1983- |
| MeSH Terms: | General Practitioners*/education , Education, Medical, Continuing*/methods , Communication* , Physician-Patient Relations* , Clinical Competence* , Problem-Based Learning*, Humans ; Male ; Female ; Chronic Disease ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Greece ; Qualitative Research |
| Abstract: | Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an Experiential Online Training (EOT) program, based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle, in enhancing the communication skills of general practitioners (GPs) managing chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design was used to assess a 25-hour EOT program for 49 GPs in Greece. Quantitative data were gathered through a Training Needs Assessment (TNA) before and after the intervention, and post three months, along with a structured questionnaire evaluating the intervention (0 =worst to 10 =best). Qualitative data were collected from participants' written reflections on integrating training concepts into their clinical practice. Results: Quantitative results suggested significant reductions in TNA scores across all subscales. Specifically, Communication/Patient-Centered Activities scores decreased from 1.00 (SD=1.01) pre-intervention to 0.50 (SD=0.62) post-intervention and 0.44 (SD=0.43) at three months (p = 0.001). Research/Audit Activities scores declined from 1.39 (SD=1.39) to 0.81 (SD=0.98) post-intervention and 0.65 (SD=0.68) at three months (p = 0.001). Reflective Practice scores dropped from 1.21 (SD=1.36) to 0.72 (SD=0.96) post-intervention and 0.50 (SD=0.73) at three months (p = 0.002). Participants rated the program highly, with overall satisfaction scoring 9.78 (SD=0.42) and perceived usefulness for clinical practice scoring 9.83 (SD=0.38). Moreover, qualitative findings suggested that participants enhanced their communication skills, especially in reflective listening, empathy, and motivational interviewing. Qualitative reflections emphasized increased confidence and adaptability in clinical interactions, with participants successfully applying learned techniques. The program was well-received, with participants valuing its structure, interactive components, and practical relevance. Conclusions: The EOT program improved GPs' communication skills supported their professional growth, and addressed their training gaps. Practice Implications: Healthcare educators and managers could utilize such interventions to improve the communication skills of GPs, and thus the quality of care they provide. Future studies could explore the long-term impact of such interventions. (Copyright © 2026 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.) |
| Competing Interests: | Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: Chronic respiratory diseases; Communication skills; General practitioners; Kolb’s experiential learning cycle |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260403 Date Completed: 20260611 Latest Revision: 20260611 |
| Update Code: | 20260612 |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.pec.2026.109627 |
| PMID: | 41932172 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Be the first to leave a comment!