ACGME - Outcome Modules

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The Outcome Project
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Medical Knowledge
Patient Care
Practice Based Learning
Systems Based Practice
Professionalism
Interpersonal and
Communications Skills
ACGME Expectations
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Summary

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Residents must demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals. Residents are expected to:

communicate effectively with patients, their families, and the public across a broad range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds
communicate effectively with physicians, other health professionals, and health related agencies
work effectively as a member or leader of a health care team or other professional group
act in a consultative role to other physicians and health professionals
maintain comprehensive, timely, and legible medical records, if applicable

[as further specified by the RC]

Key Components

didactic and experiential teaching that addresses verbal and nonverbal communication
topic areas that address communication with the patient and their family (i.e. delivering bad news, educating patients about their disease, behavior change, end of life issues)
topic areas that address communication with colleagues (hand off; presenting lectures, leadership)
topic areas that address scholarly communication such as presentation of scholarly work

Residents must be able to combine knowledge and skills needed to:
- communicate effectively with patients and families
- use effective listening, questioning, non-verbal, and written skills
- communicate effectively with physicians and other health care professionals
- work effectively in a consultative role
- maintain comprehensive, timely, and legible medical records..