The Longitudinal Communication Curriculum at Leipzig University, Medical Faculty - Implementation and First Experiences

Communication skills are an essential instrument for building a sustainable patient-doctor-relationship for future doctors. They are learnable and teachable. The learning should be facilitated with the help of a longitudinal curriculum, which is planned at Leipzig University. At the Medical Faculty of Leipzig University, the Longitudinal Communication Curriculum is established since 2016/17. Up to now, the curriculum consists of four parts in which students repeatedly practise their communication skills in curricular and extracurricular courses. Several formats help to teach an integrated learning of communication and physical examination skills. Assessment of communication skills is also performed. Curricular implementation is accompanied by concomitant evaluation. Three parts of the curriculum already have taken place. Students report an increase in communication skills. Students rate the units as instructive and helpful. The assessment of communication skills occurs in two clinical practical examinations (OSCEs). Together with summative assessment a formative feedback was implemented. Students judge this practice as highly positive. The curriculum is part of undergraduate medical education in Leipzig. It would be beneficial to add another simulated patient encounter, as well as interprofessional units. Student questionnaires will be evaluated and results will help to develop the curriculum. Consolidation of the curriculum accompanied by evaluation and adaption of content can help to assure the quality of the curriculum. Additional professions and study units shall be integrated in the Longitudinal Communication Curriculum in the future.