University of Vermont College of Medici

Standardizing Communication Assessment 

Purpose: To develop a generic communication assessment rubric to standardize clinical faculty articulation of communication objectives and standards as well as implement a standard evaluation tool of student communication skills. 

Objectives: 1) To enhance faculty member’s ability to demonstrate consensus on components with communication assessment rubric; and 2) To enhance students ability to identify key components of communication assessment tool; and receive consistent feedback from standardized patients during their OSCE’s throughout the four years of medical education. 

Educational Methods: Communication Assessment Tool developed in collaboration with key faculty; On-line faculty development module utilizing trigger tapes and the assessment tool 

Applications: Communication Assessment Tool being used as follows: in all standardized patient interactions, during End of First Year OSCE and End of Third Year OSCE; in Clerkship Directors’ reviews of components of the assessment tool during rotations.