PAGE TITLE
WebPatientEncounter: an electronic learning system to enhance physician patient communication
PAGE SUMMARY
Researchers in the Drexel University College of Medicine have developed a computer-based system, WebPatientEncounter, that facilitates remote audio/visual encounters between trainees and standardized patients for the practice, assessment, and remediation of healthcare communication competencies. This system has been tested by medical students with standardized patient-based exams, measuring communication skills with structured assessment and constructive feedback. The students who used the training modules had significantly improved communication skills than those students who did not use the system. Over forty training modules have been developed, with topics ranging from delivering bad news, weight management, and smoking cessation.
APPLICATIONS
TITLE: Applications
Online training of standardized patients
Assessment of healthcare communication abilities for medical students
Address deficiencies in communication, quality of diagnostic information elicited from patients, and quality in physician’s counseling
ADVANTAGES
TITLE:Advantages
Objective, reproducible scoring of competencies
Structured feedback
Access to complete recording of video session
Personalized learning assignments with performance tracking
Learn best practices for communicating in healthcare setting
Intuitive videoconference interface
IP STATUS
Intellectual Property and Development Status
United States Patent Pending- 14/639,596
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20150254998A1/en
Registered copyright
PUBLICATIONS
References
WebPatientEncounter portal
https://webcampus.drexelmed.edu/WebOSCE/
Daetwyler C. et al. E-learning to enhance physician patient communication: a pilot test of “DocCom” and “WebEncounter” in teaching bad news delivery. Medical Teacher, 2010, 32, e381-390.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20795797
Novack D. et al. A pilot test of WebOSCE – a system for assessing trainees’ clinical skills via teleconference. Medical Teacher, 2002, 24(5), p.483-487.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12474813?dopt=Abstract
Contact Information
Robert Mcgrath
Sr. Associate Vice Provost
rbm26@drexel.edu