Development of a framework of interpersonal communication skills for MPharm students: a UK eDelphi study
Authors: Towle I C , Gifford A , Allinson M , White S 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The importance of communication skills for pharmacists in their daily activities, particularly in patient-centred care, is paramount. Effective healthcare, including complex tasks such as health promotion and medication reviews, heavily relies on quality communication. The GPhC emphasises the importance of graduates being able to employ communication skills in various settings1 although consensus on essential communication competencies in student pharmacist education is lacking.

Aim
To achieve consensus on a framework of interpersonal communication competencies for MPharm students.

Method
With approval from Keele University’s Research Ethics Committee, a draft interpersonal communication competency framework was developed after thorough literature review. Panellists with an interest in pharmacy education (including graduates, pharmacists and non-pharmacists) were invited to participate in an online three-round modified eDelphi study. Round 1 involved participants reviewing the draft framework, providing feedback on competency relevance/ wording and identifying missing competencies. Round 2 evaluated an updated framework for competency importance, with competencies needing 80% agreement to achieve consensus. Competencies without consensus underwent Round 3 review. Feedback was provided after each round.

Results
Panellists from across UK came from diverse pharmacy sectors like community, hospital, primary care, academia, industry, regulatory and education. In addition, there was as considerable participant experience, knowledge and expertise, which contributed distinct insights and viewpoints. The draft framework comprised 123 competencies across four Domains: Generic Communication (sub-divided into: organisation of an encounter, initiating and closing discussions, verbal and non-verbal communication, encouragement of person involvement, and adjusting communication based on contextual or cultural factors); Patient-Specific Communication (sub-divided into: gathering patient information and shared decision making); Peer Communication, and Other Communication (e.g., written). In total, 56, 49, and 47 participants completed each of the three consecutive rounds. In Round 1, over 500 comments prompted considerable amendments, including competency additions, removals, and mergers. This led to 126 competencies being rated for importance in Round 2 and 120 competencies (95%) were deemed important by at least 80% of eDelphi participants. Alongside competency ratings, an additional 130 comments were received, offering constructive insights. Six competencies that failed to achieve consensus in Round 2 underwent review again in Round 3. Subsequently, three more competencies failed to achieve consensus, resulting in a final agreed-upon framework of 123 competencies.

Discussion
This is the first competency framework developed for pharmacy student education. This study underscores the importance of interpersonal communication skills in pharmacy education and the experience of participants enriched the study, providing diverse and essential perspectives that were crucial in defining these competencies. The robustness of the iterative eDelphi process was instrumental in refining these competencies through multiple rounds. Although most competencies achieved consensus, a few contentious competencies underscored the challenges of aligning participant perspectives. The finalised framework, grounded in evidence-based development and stakeholder involvement, potentially serves as a flexible foundation for structuring pharmacy education curricula, but the scope of the study may face limitations, with the range of competencies either being too broad or too narrow, which could make implementation a challenge. Future research could focus on assessing these competencies across diverse healthcare settings.

Reference
1. General Pharmaceutical Council, (2017). Standards for pharmacy professionals. Retrieved from https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/sites/default/files/standards_for_pharmacy_professionals_may_2017_0.pdf.