Competency in medical history taking—the training physicians’ view

Abstract

Background: Because effective communication skills are crucial for every physician, this study evaluated students’ competence to take a sufficient medical history. This ability was measured via reports from the students’ supervising and training physicians. Methods: A total of 24 physicians from several different departments were interviewed‚ and a stratification of medical specialties was performed due to the current supply-relevant number of medical doctors in the country. A qualitative content analysis was then performed. Results: The analysis revealed the students’ lack of expertise and ability to take a structured and complete medical history. Additionally, the lack of students’ engagement was criticized by the training physicians. An insufficiency of student supervision was also shown as only half of the departments have a fixed supervisor for the students during the internship. Conclusion: The data showed the need for a refinement of the training of communicative skills at university and the practical training at hospitals.