Doctor–patient communication skills training in mainland China: A systematic review of the literature

• To our knowledge, no systematic review has been conducted on doctor–patient CST as applied to Chinese medical student and practice physician.
• The majority of included studies attained positive effects.
• Chinese doctors and medical students’ communication skills could be enhanced through CST.
• Future studies in China should place a stronger focus on training strategy development, validation of the assessment instruments, and evaluating patient satisfaction that was affected by CST.

ObjectivesTo conduct a systematic review of studies on doctor–patient communication skills training (CST) for medical students and physicians in mainland China.MethodsWe retrieved articles from six electronic databases, and searched additional eligible papers by checking reference lists. Chinese or English-language studies focused on CST and implemented in mainland China were applied to the pre-determined criteria. Articles included were further reviewed under the following categories: participant; training strategy; assessment; and outcome.Results20 studies met the inclusion criteria. 90% of the CST improved trainees’ communication skills using a strategy which included a didactic component combined with practical rehearsal and feedback. The duration of training varied substantially. A lack of enhancement in empathy, and the use of open-ended questions were reported. 83% of the assessment instruments were self-designed and most lacked reliability and validity testing. Only two of the included studies evaluated patient satisfaction.ConclusionsThe majority of included studies attained statistically significant improvements. Chinese doctors and medical students’ communication skills can be enhanced through CST.Practice implicationsFuture studies in China should place stronger emphasis on the development of training strategies, validation of the assessment instruments, and evaluation of patient satisfaction affected by CST.