What is the FOR21 project?

The key problem for all partner countries in the Consortium is the absence of consistent communication training for future doctors. This project will drive the development of educational strategies, approaches and methods for building communication skills to train doctors in improved doctor-to-patient communication through modernizing current educational systems at Partner Countries Higher Educational Institutions (PC HEIs) and upleveling faculty competence. The two-level renovation of the medical educational system will take place: in curriculum development and Final Exam modification.

Integrated methodology will make communication skills training efficient through reaching the Project milestones:

  • Communication Development training Centres (CDC) launch,
  • Patient Centred Communication Skills Programme (PCCSP) implementation,
  • Integration of the Communication Competence framework into the assessment system of students’ performance.

A smooth transition from traditional teacher-centered to student-centered approach will help to avoid inconsistency in curriculum development. PCCSP will bring PC HEIs transition from lecture-based teaching to learning activities, such as Flipped Classroom, Standardized and Virtual Patients, ICT methods in a fully integrated training regime. Not monitored self-study activities will be reshaped into a set of online lectures and references stimulating interest in learning activities. 

Dissemination of Project outcomes will enable its further development and implementation of the created PCCSP. CDCs to be established at each PCU will ensure validity, succession and dissemination of integrated methodology. Network of CDCs will consistently stimulate curricula of partner and non-partner medical HEIs, to modernize and innovate, in accord with the latest trends in communication competency development.