B9376 - BASI DI COMUNICAZIONE NELLA PROFESSIONE MEDICA (LZ)

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course Foundations of Communication in the Medical Profession, students will acquire fundamental knowledge of verbal and non-verbal communication, methodologies for studying communicative processes, and the main factors influencing doctor–patient communication and interprofessional interactions in healthcare settings.
Through practical exercises and laboratory activities, students will be able to identify key communication errors and common barriers to effective interaction. They will also develop the skills necessary to communicate medical and scientific information effectively, and to interact with other healthcare professionals, patients, and their families in a professional and empathic manner.

Course contents

This teaching module is part of the Integrated Course in General Psychology and Medical Anthropology. Upon completion of the Integrated Course, students will have acquired core concepts for understanding the processes underlying individual and group behaviors.

Specific Content

The program addresses the management of doctor–patient communication and the development of a therapeutic alliance, aiming to:

• maximize patient adherence to diagnostic and treatment plans,

• reduce negative emotions and alleviate physical and psychological distress,

• provide guidance and support to patients and families throughout the entire care pathway.

Key topics include:

1. The fundamental functions of the clinical interview; managing cognitive and emotional biases in communication; recognizing and addressing common communication fallacies.

2. Individual (cognitive and emotional) and social (family, cultural, relational, organizational) factors modulating illness, stress, and pain.

Readings/Bibliography

• Bellomo, A. (2004). Psicologia medica e abilità relazionali. Minerva Medica. (Chapters 5–6)

• Benedetti, F. (2013). Placebo and the new physiology of the doctor–patient relationship. Physiol Rev, 93, 1207–1246.

Additional research articles relevant to the course topics will be indicated and discussed during lectures.

Teaching methods

The course includes lectures, guided discussions of scientific articles, and practical exercises conducted in class, individually or in small groups.

Assessment methods

The Foundations of Communication in the Medical Profession module is part of the Integrated Course (General Psychology and Medical Anthropology), together with General Psychology and Medical Anthropology.

The final grade for the Integrated Course is based on the weighted average of the assessments in General Psychology and Medical Anthropology. The Foundations of Communication in the Medical Profession module is graded on a pass/fail basis (certification of suitability), which is required for the final registration of the Integrated Course.

To obtain certification, students must participate in the practical exercises scheduled during the course. Exercise dates will be communicated at the start of the module.

Students who are unable to attend the exercises must submit a critical written commentary on one of the assigned research articles (made available via the online learning platform). The commentary should include:

• a concise summary of the research,

• strengths and limitations of the employed methodology,

• implications for clinical practice and patient care.

Examples and templates for the commentary will be provided during the course and uploaded to the online platform.

Students with disabilities or temporary/permanent SLD are encouraged to contact the University’s dedicated office [https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it] in advance. Any required accommodations should be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days before the scheduled activity for approval, ensuring alignment with the course’s educational objectives.

Teaching tools

Teaching aids include slides, software for demonstrating experimental tasks, and exercises involving psychological tests.
All teaching materials presented in class will be made available to students (in PDF format) on the online learning platform before each lecture.

Office hours

See the website of Michela Mazzetti