Future research should use standardized validated outcome measures, longitudinal follow-up designs, and methods linking learner gains to patient-relevant outcomes¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The review recommends that future research prioritize standardized and validated outcome measures, longitudinal follow-up designs, and methodologies capable of examining whether educational gains translate into patient-relevant outcomes such as satisfaction, trust, and adherence. It notes mixed-method approaches and multilevel study designs may be particularly valuable, aligning with Level 4 of Kirkpatrick's evaluation model, which emphasizes behavioral change and improvements in patient outcomes. Greater emphasis should also be placed on curricular integration, structured feedback mechanisms, and resource considerations.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• standardized and validated outcome measures
• longitudinal follow-up designs

Constraints¶

• The review notes the literature search was restricted to peer-reviewed, English-language systematic reviews, which may have contributed to publication bias

Target Learners¶

• undergraduate health professions students

Target Learning Goals¶

• clinical communication skills
• transfer of communication skills to clinical practice

Claims¶

• Evidence on long-term retention and transfer of clinical communication skills to clinical practice remained inconsistent or lacking across included reviews [+W]

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Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Kalmring M, Chmelar S, Greimel P, Kaider M, Lang C, Roszipal B. (2026). Teaching clinical communication skills through virtual patient-based learning: an umbrella review of systematic reviews. BMC Medical Education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-026-09374-6