KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTION OF SOFT SKILLS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AND POSTGRADUATE RESIDENTS AT SERVICES HOSPITAL LAHORE.
Abstract
AbstractBackground and Objectives: Soft skills have emerged as a novel focal area for health care practitioners.Objective of this study was to assess the perception of medical students and postgraduate residents regardingsoft skills and the need of incorporating these skills into the curriculum.Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Services Institute of Medical Sciencesand Services Hospital in Lahore from January 1st to March 31st, 2023. A total of 192 participants, dividedinto two groups on the basis of their academic and clinical experience(Group 1 medical students final yearand group 2 postgraduate residents of SHL (1st year) were included in the study after informed consent.Participants were given a pre-designed, validated questionnaire to record their details and assess their softskills.Results: Postgraduate doctors were more effective at educating and motivating patients regarding treatmentplans (84.4% vs. 15.6%, p < 0.0001), problem solving in critical situations (83.3% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.0001),and managing ethical conflicts (82.3% vs. 17.7%, p < 0.0001) compared to medical students. Doctorsreported being taught communication skills (88.5% vs. 67.7%, p = 0.0005), critical thinking and problemsolving skills (81.3% vs. 31.3%, p=0.0001), time management skills (89.6% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.0001), andleadershipskills(77.1%vs.57.3%, p = 0.0035) more than medical students. Ahigher proportion of doctors hadbeen assessed by their supervisors on communication skills (71.9% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.00003), critical thinkingand problem-solving skills (49.0% vs. 27.1%, p = 0.0018), and leadership skills (74.0% vs. 33.3%, p =0.0001) compared to medical students.Conclusion: Postgraduate doctors exhibit stronger aptitude in essential soft skills as compared to medicalstudents therefore efforts should be made to integrate soft skills in healthcare educational program for betterpatient care and prepare medical students and residents for the multifaceted challenges they will face in theircareer.Key words: soft skills, perception, curriculum.