Table 2.

Results from the qualitative evaluation phase

Main code	Exemplary quote
Experience of change in attitudes and communication behaviors	“I pay more attention to the way I steer my consultations. Previously, I have probably paid no attention to this, at all, in stressful situations. But now I try to reflect: Was this ok, the way I steered this consultation?” (P4)
Satisfaction with the training and its components	„I am grateful. It was a great opportunity to perform these [simulated patient] situations and receive supervision. You hardly ever get this opportunity as a physician in outpatient care or in hospital.“(P8)
The most beneficial training components	„I would say, analysis [of simulated patient consultations] in general and then the video-analysis, during which you see your own reactions and how you behave, and receive feedback from others watching this.” (P19)
Recommendation to a friend or colleague	„It depends on the person and his or her level of training. I would recommend it to beginners, but not necessarily to the more experienced.” (P20)
Suggestions for improvement of the training	„You know, to get the picture, you would have to accompany a physician during his consultation hours. You see, a simulated consultation with an actor is beneficial in some way, but it doesn’t correspond to the reality we have to face.” (P4)

P1-P22 in brackets = physicians who participated in the qualitative evaluation