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Development and evaluation of the new module ‘communication disorders’ in medical education

Background: Communication disorders are not taught as a self-contained topic in medical education, despite their high incidence and the similarities in the way in which they present clinically. Aims: This article describes the development of an elective subject ‘Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology’ covering five topics: hearing, language, and voice as well as psychometric tests and swallowing, with the objective of teaching a basic knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the hearing and language system as well as symptoms, diagnostics, examination, and therapy of communication disorders. It contains theoretical background, practical exercises, and demonstrations of patient examinations. Methods: After initial modifications to the course, a statistical evaluation of the last two half-years in 2006 was performed. Results: The majority of students believe that the subject will be useful in their subsequent studies (94.2%) and medical practice (51.9%). All students affirmed that their expectations had been met by the course and they would choose it again. Conclusions: Uniting several communication disorders within a self-contained topic provides the opportunity to understand pathophysiological principles, similarities, and differences between normal and impaired function of the hearing and language system and voice production. In the authors’ opinion, it is a reasonable inclusion in medical training recognizing the importance of communication in today's service society.