A pilot study assessing emotional intelligence training and communication skills with 3rd year medical students

Objective: To investigate whether emotional intelligence (EI) developmental training workshops can lead to increases with the Bar-On Emotional Quotient (EQ-i) total scores. Methods: A pilot study with a quasi-randomised controlled design was employed with self-report assessments conducted at baseline and post-intervention following a 7-month training programme. Medical students based at a UK-based medical school participated in the study, and 36 volunteer students were recruited to the control group with 50 students randomly assigned to receive the intervention. A total of 34 (68%) students in the intervention group attended the first intervention training workshop, 17 (34%) attended the majority of the monthly development sessions and completed the post-intervention assessment. In the control group only one participant did not complete the follow-up assessment. Results: The intervention group had significantly higher EQ-i change from baseline mean scores than the control group. The intervention group mean scores had increased across time, whilst the control group mean scores slightly decreased. Conclusion: The El developmental training workshops had a positive effect on the medical students in the intervention group. Practice implications: Further research is warranted to determine whether El can be a useful measure in medical training, and the concept and measurement of El requires further development. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.