Interpersonal and communication skills are part of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competencies. Previous studies have demonstrated these skills to correlate with improved health outcomes.1
Public speaking anxiety (PSA, also known as fear of public speaking, or the fear of speaking in public) is classified in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; American Psychiatric Association) as a social anxiety disorder. It is reported as prevalent in 15% to 30% of the general population.2 Up to 10% of those with PSA report that their public speaking anxiety results in an interference with daily activities, including work and education.3 PSA is traditionally thought to be associated with individuals of lower income status and limited education. However, recent surveys showed that the prevalence in university students is similar to that of the general population.4 The prevalence of PSA in the graduate medical education population has not, to our knowledge, been assessed to date.
We distributed a survey to residents and rotating medical students between November 2012 and December 2013. Our response rate was 97.3%, and we found that approximately 17% (18 of 107 residents) had symptoms of anxiety when speaking in front of others (table). This is comparable to its prevalence in the general population.
TABLE.
Demographics of Survey Respondents
Public speaking anxiety may represent an underrecognized condition that affects the competency of interpersonal and communication skills. We propose that program directors and medical educators incorporate a curriculum to enhance public speaking skills in graduate medical training.
References
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