Knowledge and Perception of Soft Skills Among Medical Students and Postgraduate Residents at Services Hospital Lahore.

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Objectives: Soft skills have emerged as a novel focal area for health care practitioners.
Objective of this study was to assess the perception of medical students and postgraduate residents regarding
soft skills and the need of incorporating these skills into the curriculum.
Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Services Institute of Medical Sciences
and Services Hospital in Lahore from January 1st to March 31st, 2023. A total of 192 participants, divided
into two groups on the basis of their academic and clinical experience(Group 1 medical students final year
and group 2 postgraduate residents of SHL (1st year) were included in the study after informed consent.
Participants were given a pre-designed, validated questionnaire to record their details and assess their soft
skills.
Results: Postgraduate doctors were more effective at educating and motivating patients regarding treatment
plans (84.4% vs. 15.6%, p < 0.0001), problem solving in critical situations (83.3% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.0001),
and managing ethical conflicts (82.3% vs. 17.7%, p < 0.0001) compared to medical students. Doctors
reported being taught communication skills (88.5% vs. 67.7%, p = 0.0005), critical thinking and problemsolving skills (81.3% vs. 31.3%, p=0.0001), time management skills (89.6% vs. 10.4%, p = 0.0001), and
leadershipskills(77.1%vs.57.3%, p = 0.0035) more than medical students. Ahigher proportion of doctors had
been assessed by their supervisors on communication skills (71.9% vs. 41.7%, p = 0.00003), critical thinking
and problem-solving skills (49.0% vs. 27.1%, p = 0.0018), and leadership skills (74.0% vs. 33.3%, p =
0.0001) compared to medical students.
Conclusion: Postgraduate doctors exhibit stronger aptitude in essential soft skills as compared to medical
students therefore efforts should be made to integrate soft skills in healthcare educational program for better
patient care and prepare medical students and residents for the multifaceted challenges they will face in their
career.
Key words: soft skills, perception, curriculum.