Abstract: Objective To investigate the effectiveness of a teaching approach combining role-playing with the situation-background-assessment-recommendation(SBAR) communication model in developing patient-physician communication skills among neurosurgery residents undergoing standardized residency training. Methods A total of 100 residents undergoing neurosurgery residency training at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from September 2023 to August 2025 were enrolled in the study by random sampling. Using a random number table, they were evenly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 50 participants in each group. Using admission communication training for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage as an example, residents in the experimental group received training using a role-playing approach combined with the SBAR communication model, while those in the control group received training using traditional teaching methods. Both groups were assessed before and after the training using a physician-patient communication skills evaluation scale. After training, both groups completed a teaching satisfaction questionnaire, and patients and their families were surveyed regarding their satisfaction with the physicians in both groups. Data analysis was performed using t-tests and chi-square tests. Results Following training, differences in scores between the experimental group and the control group on the two dimensions of ″information provision″ and ″patient understanding″ were both statistically significant[(3.62±0.57)vs. (3.32±0.74), (3.46±0.61) vs. (3.18±0.72), all P<0.05]. The results of the teaching satisfaction questionnaire showed that the experimental group rated their satisfaction with the supervising instructors, as well as their confidence in developing clinical reasoning and doctor-patient communication skills, higher than the control group [94.0% (47/50) vs.72.0% (36/50), 94.0% (47/50) vs. 72.0% (36/50), 94.0% (47/50) vs. 70.0% (35/50), all P<0.05]; results from the patient and family satisfaction questionnaire indicated that patients and their families placed greater trust in physicians in the experimental group [88.0% (44/50) vs. 56.0% (28/50) , P<0.05]. Additionally,patient and family satisfaction with physicians in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group in three aspects:clarity of the physician's explanation of the condition, provision of treatment plans along with an explanation of their pros and cons, and the respect shown by the physician [88.0% (44/50) vs. 66.0% (33/50), 88.0% (44/50) vs. 58.0% (29/50), 86.0% (43/50) vs.60.0% (30/50); all P<0.05]. Conclusions Role-playing combined with the SBAR communication model training helps improve resident trainees' physician-patient communication skills and enhances both the trainees' satisfaction with the training and the satisfaction of patients and their families.

Key words: Role playing, SBAR communication model, Resident standardized training, Doctor-patient communication