Reflective writing in the teaching of communication skills for medical students—A systematic review

Objective: To analyse the use, assessment, and measured outcomes of reflective writing (RW) in teaching communication to medical students. Methods: Systematic search of seven electronic databases, focused on using RW in teaching communication skills. Three reviewers selected and prepared the synthesis of the studies. The synthesis was based on thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke's approach. Results: We identified 1325 studies, reviewed 101 full-text articles, and included 12 articles in the analysis. The four themes identified showed that RW is not a stand-alone practice. RW is blended with other teaching strategies. Through RW, students identified structural, emotional, and relational aspects and challenges of communication. Only a few studies found a positive correlation between reflective ability and communication skills Conclusion: RW can be integrated with various teaching methods, at all stages of learning, to stimulate discussion of interpersonal and intrapersonal topics. Through RW, students explore theirs and their patient's emotions, values, behaviours, and needs identifying challenges and practices relevant to communication. Practice implications: RW can address different structural, relational, and emotional issues that are relevant to communication learning. Further educational development and high-quality empirical research on the use of RW and unique outcomes are needed to support communication skills learning.