AAAAI Modules

Resources Relevant to the Implementation
of Core ACGME-Required Competencies

Module I
Interpersonal & communication skills
Module overview

Competency

The ACGME’s Program Requirements for Residency Education in Allergy and Immunology define the competency of interpersonal and communication skills as, "skills that result in effective information exchange and teaming with patients, their families, and other health professionals."

The ACGME further defines a set of Allergy and immunology-specific competencies. These competencies are subsets of the core competencies and as such, may be considered embedded in them. The A/I-specific competencies that may relate to interpersonal and communication skills include the requirements to:

• “Conduct a comprehensive and detailed medical interview with children and adults who present with suspected allergic and/or immunologic disorders
• Counsel and educate patients about diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment
• Consult with and educate other physicians and health care providers
• Coordinate the care of patients, including the use of consultation
• Design, conduct, write, and present research in either laboratory-based or clinical investigation in allergy and/or immunology”

The ACGME also defines a set of personal and professional competencies. These competencies are subsets of the core competencies and as such, may be considered embedded in them. The personal and professional competencies that may be related to interpersonal and communication skills include the requirements to:

• “demonstrate caring, altruistic, and compassionate behavior
• demonstrate honesty, integrity, and professionalism in relating to patients and other healthcare providers”

The Quadrad Report further amplifies the competency of interpersonal and communication skill by listing required skills, example components, and evaluation methods, as follows:

Required Skill	Example Components	Evaluation Method
Creation of therapeutic relationship with patients	Making sure that patients understand their medications and asthma action plans	Patient satisfaction questionnaire OR 360 Global rating evaluation OR Checklist evaluation
Listening skills	Enabling patients to be comfortable asking questions about their disease or medications	Patient satisfaction questionnaire OR 360 Global rating evaluation OR Checklist evaluation

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Goals & objectives

The following goals and objectives for interpersonal and communication skills have been articulated by A/I training program directors:

I. Effectively communicates with patients, their families, and other caretakers to ensure quality therapeutic relationships
      A. enables patient to ‘tell their own story’ and to be comfortable asking questions
      B. effectively addresses patient concerns
      C. uses appropriate eye contact, body language, and non-verbal communications
      D. provides pertinent educational information that promotes patient and family participation in management of care and allows them to make informed decisions
      E. completes patient interview in a timely and professional manner
      F. returns patient and family calls promptly and effectively

II. Conveys appropriate medical information to health care team members
      A. includes the concerns of patients and referring physicians
      B. is clear (including legible), concise, professional in tone (whether verbal or written) and timely

III. Effectively provides information necessary for patients and families to understand diagnosis and treatment
      A. Uses language appropriate to the level of comprehension in a culturally sensitive and professional manner
      B. Incorporates evidence-based medical information and consensus, when available

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