Parents as Teachers: Teaching Pediatrics Residents the Art of Engaging in Difficult Conversations

ABSTRACT Background  Physicians often lack the skills and confidence needed to have difficult conversations with patients and their families. Patients and families who have experienced these conversations can provide valuable insight for resident physicians. Objective  We developed a communication skills workshop for pediatrics residents using parents and a team of social workers, nurses, chaplains, and physician facilitators in role-playing exercises. Methods  From 2007 to 2016, half-day “difficult conversation” workshops were held annually for postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) and PGY-2 residents that included an interprofessional team and parents of children with life-threatening diagnoses. Questionnaires assessed residents' prior training, effectiveness of the sessions, and narrative feedback on the impact of this approach. Parents and team members were surveyed on the effectiveness of the training and the value of parent involvement. Results  Median self-reported confidence levels for incoming PGY-1 reside...