Evaluating the patient sociodemographic factors affecting dental students' clinical communication skills using a three-perspective approach

Objective

This study aimed to assess undergraduate dental students' communication skills in relation to patient sociodemographic factors using a three-perspective approach; the student, the patient, and the clinical instructor perspective.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using validated modified-communication tools; Patient Communication Assessment Instruments (PCAI), Student Communication Assessment Instruments (SCAI), and Clinical Communication Assessment Instruments (CCAI). Moreover, 176 undergraduate clinical year students were recruited in this study whereby each student was assessed by a clinical instructor, a patient, and self-evaluation.

Results

The clinical communication skills domains were not significantly influenced by patient sociodemographic factors, including sex, educational background, and the number of visits (p > .05). However, this study revealed a statistically significant difference in the domain of “caring and respectful” of the SCAI between the low- and middle-income groups.

Conclusions

Overall, most of the patient sociodemographic factors did not affect clinical communication skills. However, patient income groups played a significant role in one of the communication domains.