Teaching self-concept and self-esteem in a clinical communications course

Am J Pharm Educ. 2006 Oct 15;70(5):99. doi: 10.5688/aj700599.

Abstract

Effective interpersonal communication skills are needed for pharmacists to deliver patient-centered care. To achieve this outcome with pharmacists, communication skills are emphasized in pharmacy school in required coursework, such as a clinical communication course. One important concept to include in communication coursework is content on perceptions because perceptions influence communication interactions. Specific emphasis should include a focus on self-perceptions and self-concept, because related empirical literature demonstrates that accurate academic self-concepts predict academic success. These results were extrapolated to a pharmacy clinical communications course where a lecture and laboratory series was designed to emphasize self-concept and facilitate communication skills improvement. The instructional design of this series promoted the advancement of students' communication skills by using communication inventories, self-reflection activities, peer and class discussion, and lecture content. Class discussions, self-reflections, and baseline, and follow-up counseling activities throughout the semester provided evidence of improvements.

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Humans
  • Pharmacology, Clinical / education
  • Self Concept*
  • Students, Pharmacy* / psychology
  • Teaching / methods*