Faculty Competencies: Communication
Communication is one of the seven domains of the Faculty Competencies resource. This domain includes six competencies and 32 behaviors.
The STFM Faculty Competencies Steering Committee and other contributors created the STFM Faculty Competencies, which describes the skills faculty need to effectively educate medical students and residents.The Faculty Competencies is broken down into seven categories ("domains"). Each domain consists of sub-categories ("competencies"), and each competency has several behaviors or skill targets for faculty to attain.
Communication Competencies
Domain 4, Communication, consists of six competencies (authors in parenthesis):
- Public Speaking (Tina Kenyon, ACSW)
- Use of Technology (Tina Kenyon, ACSW)
- Negotiation and Conflict Management (Brian Johnson, MD)
- Facilitation Skills (Brian Johnson, MD)
- Active Listening (Tina Kenyon, ACSW)
- Written Communication (Tina Kenyon, ACSW)
The behaviors for each competency are below, ranging in increasing skill level from Level A to Level D.
Public Speaking
Author: Tina Kenyon, ACSW
Level A
- Describes the skills necessary to lead an effective large group teaching session
Level B
- Demonstrates confidence, composure and clarity during large group sessions within own department
Level C
- Demonstrates confidence, composure and clarity during large group sessions in other departments and other institutions
Level D
- Demonstrates confidence, composure and clarity while delivering presentation at national venue
Resources
Schraeder, Terry L., 'Public Speaking and Presentation Skills', Physician Communication: Connecting with Patients, Peers, and the Public (New York, 2019; online edn, Oxford Academic, 1 Aug. 2019), https://doi.org/10.1093/med/9780190882440.003.0003. https://academic.oup.com/book/31716/chapter/265380356.
Green BN, Johnson CD. Interprofessional collaboration in research, education, and clinical practice: working together for a better future. J Chiropr Educ. 2015 Mar;29(1):1-10. doi: 10.7899/JCE-14-36. Epub 2015 Jan 16. PMID: 25594446; PMCID: PMC4360764.
National Conference presentation opportunities - application deadlines are months in advance of the conference date
1) https://www.stfm.org/conferences/generalinformation/futuredates/
2) https://www.acgme.org/meetings-and-educational-activities/annual-educational-conference/future-annual-educational-conference-dates-and-locations/
3) https://www.aafp.org/events.html
Use of Technology
Author: Tina Kenyon, ACSW
Level A
- Describes established departmental norms for technology use
- Uses technology in a manner which enhances communication
Level B
- Follows established departmental norms for technology use
- Ensures documentation is timely, complete, and accurate
Level C
- Educates peers and residents regarding departmental norms for technology use
- Teaches effective use of technology to exchange information
Level D
- Contributes to quality improvement in departmental norms for technology use
- Adapts systems to improve communication with other providers, and systems
Resources
Tokuç B, Varol G. Medical Education in the Era of Advancing Technology. Balkan Med J. 2023 Oct 20; 40(6):395-399. doi: 10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2023.2023-7-79. Epub 2023 Sep 14. PMID: 37706676; PMCID: PMC10613744.
Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources Policy (example from Brown University). https://policy.brown.edu/policy/acceptable-use-it-resources.
Negotiation and Conflict Management
Author: Brian Johnson, MD
Level A
- Describes basic principles of effective negotiation
- Identifies situations that include conflict
Level B
- Demonstrates ability to negotiate low stakes outcomes
- Demonstrates basic skills in managing conflict with colleagues and learners
Level C
- Demonstrates ability to negotiate high stakes outcomes
- Demonstrates basic skills in managing conflict with colleagues and learners
Level D
- Coaches others in effective negotiation skills
- Coaches others in conflict management skills
Resources
Fiester A, Stites S. Using a Mediator's Toolbox: Reducing Clinical Conflict by Learning to Reconceive the “Difficult” Patient or Family. MedEdPORTAL. 2023;19:11324. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.11324.
Welch J, Jimenez H, Allen S. Teamwork & Conflict Management Workshop. MedEdPORTAL. 2013;9:9605. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.9605.
Fisher, R., Ury, W., & Patton, B. (2006). Getting to yes (2nd ed.). Penguin Putnam.
Patterson, K., Grenny, J., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2002). Crucial conversations. McGraw-Hill Contemporary.
Patterson, Kerry, a.o.. (2013). Crucial accountability : tools for resolving violated expectations, broken commitments, and bad behavior (2nd ed.). Toronto: McGraw-Hill Education.
Facilitation Skills
Author: Brian Johnson, MD
Level A
- Recognizes the importance of including all participants
Level B
- Invites others to express ideas, concerns, and opinions
Level C
- Manages conflict within the group setting
Level D
- Coaches others to develop facilitation skills
Resources
Fulton T, Burke C, Hyland K, Kruidering-Hall M, Masters S. Workshop in a Box: Visual Demonstration of Small-Group Facilitation Techniques for Faculty Development. MedEdPORTAL. 2010;6:5103. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.5103.
Schuman, S (2005). The IAF Handbook for Group Facilitation, Int’l Association of Facilitators.
Active Listening
Author: Tina Kenyon, ACSW
Level A
- Defines the skills required for effective active listening
Level B
- Takes initiative to incorporate active listening skills in teaching and learning
Level C
- Teaches peers and learners effective active listening skills
Level D
- Coaches others to develop active listening skills
Resources
Listening Techniques for Physicians - AAFP. https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/practice-and-career/managing-your-career/physician-well-being/creating-a-culture-of-well-being/listening-techniques.html#:~:text=Sitting%20down%20to%20actively%20listen,comply%20with%20treatment%2C%20he%20says.
Seven Active Listening Techniques for Better Communication – with example and audio. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-active-listening-3024343.
Health Literacy for Interprofessional Education (IPE) eToolkit- Active Listening
https://pacificu.libguides.com/HLeT/ActiveListening.
Written Communication
Author: Tina Kenyon, ACSW
Level A
- Acknowledges professional communication including adhering to written etiquette
Level B
- Analyzes succession options to ensure leadership continuity
Level C
- Implements succession plans to ensure leadership continuity
Level D
- Institutes program infrastructure to ensure leadership continuity
Resources
The Power of Effective Writing and Communication for Healthcare Professionals: 6 Tips. https://postgraduateeducation.hms.harvard.edu/trends-medicine/power-effective-writing-communication-health-care-professionals-6-tips-strengthen-your-skills.
