doc.com: An interactive learning resource for healthcare communication

doc.com is a communications / doctoring curriculum resource that enhances learning beyond textbooks.   doc.com’s 41 Modules cover interactional competencies that IOM, ACGME and AAMC consider essential. More than 400 videos show physicians and standardized patients demonstrating effective communication strategies. Content also covers psychosocial issues such as Alcoholism, Domestic Violence, Depression, Behavior Change and Somatization, and professionalism issues such as Mistakes, Boundaries, Mindfulness, Teamwork, Self-care (see full contents, below). 

Real patients describe their drug abuse and recovery. Videos play in Flash, in high resolution, in full screen. doc.com's educational platform facilitates effective interactions between learners and faculty, including the giving of assignments, the taking and scoring of Module assessment tests, and giving feedback.  Portfolio documentation for programs or individuals is simple.

Impact of doc.com

· Worldwide Use

o > 10000 users at > 70 institutions, mainly in the USA and Australia

o Japanese translation of Modules 1-12 ready in April 2010

o Click here for Japanese "about doc.com" page

· Partnership

o National Institute on Drug Abuse supported production of Module 30

o Medical and Psychological Aspects of Pregnancy Loss. Drexel UCOM OBS/GYN and Drexel Dept. of Psychology

o Depression Screening and Management in Primary Care. New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation

o Just-in-time learning, with live internet assessment of interview skills, using WebOSCE; from Drexel UCOM

o NEW in 2010: 5 actual patients discuss their substance use and recovery

· Evaluation

o Spagnoletti, C. L. et al., Implementation and evaluation of a web-based communication skills learning tool for training internal medicine interns in patient-doctor communication; Journal of Communication in Healthcare, 01 May 2009, vol./is. 2/2(159-172), 17538068 (link)

o 2009 Drexel:U residents improve and maintain skills in giving bad
news, after study of M 33. Abstract presented, International Conference on Communication in Healthcare. Oslo, Norway, October, 2008.

o 2010 U Pennsylvania and Drexel UCOM receive major NIDA grant to evaluate Module 30 effectiveness in student and resident learning of attitudes and skills in substance use

This is the URL for the link to the Japanese version in first section: http://www.igakueizou.co.jp/product/system/doccom/about_doccom.html

This is the URL for the link to the article in 3^rd section: http://henrystewart.metapress.com/app/home/main.asp?referrer=default