Teaching Communication Skills in Breast Imaging

Breast radiologists communicate life-changing results to patients every day. It is critical for breast radiologists to be effective communicators and to deliver difficult and good news effectively and empathetically. Communication skills can be just as important as image interpretation and procedural skills in breast imaging. Breast radiologists can learn effective communication through practice. In addition, simulation-based communication skills training can help our trainees practice their communication skills in a low-stakes environment and become more comfortable with communicating difficult results. This manuscript sets out to familiarize breast radiologists with what effective communication skills are, as well as how to learn and teach them.