medical students’ perspectives on the effectiveness of an esp program based on the calgary cambridge guide for improving communication skills in medical interviews
The research examined medical students' perspectives on the effectiveness of an ESP program, based on the Calgary-Cambridge Guide, for improving communication skills in medical interviews. Utilizing a descriptive design, the research combined quantitative scale data with qualitative interviews for a comprehensive analysis. The research involved 41 fifth-year medical students from Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST) in Egypt, who were enrolled in the spring semester of 2024. The research tools included a scale with statements rated on a 5-point Likert scale, focusing on communication skills across the five stages of medical interviews as outlined by the Calgary-Cambridge Guide: Initiating the session, gathering information, physical examination, treatment planning, and closing the session. Additionally, qualitative interviews with open-ended questions were conducted to identify the most effective aspects of the program, evaluate its impact on students' competence and confidence during medical interviews, and gather suggestions for future improvements. Notably, only 10 participants agreed to take part in the interviews, each lasting about 10 minutes. The findings indicated that the Calgary-Cambridge Guide-based Training Program significantly improved medical students' communication skills at various stages of medical interviews. These improvements highlight the effectiveness of ESP programs in medical communication education. (Published abstract)